ANKARA - Turkish Foreign Minister and Chief Negotiator for EU Talks Ali Babacan said on Friday that political obstacles before opening a few more chapter headings for negotiations between Turkey and the European Union could be removed in the coming period.
"We have started to get some positive signals following our moves," Babacan told reporters at Ankara's Esenboga Airport before his departure for Brussels.
"For instance, chapter headings on energy, as well as economic and monetary policy... These chapters have long been ready to open," Babacan said. "Opening of these chapters is completely related to political approaches but some chapters are obstructed by some member countries."
However, Babacan said those obstacles could be removed in the coming period, stating that Turkish officials got positive signals from the Union.
Asked about a possible surprise regarding the Union for the Mediterranean and Turkey's EU process, Babacan said France-suggested project would not be an alternative to Turkey's EU bid.
"We took pledges over pledges. French President Nicolas Sarkozy called Mr. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and gave a guarantee," Babacan said. "We have to rely on these pledges if a European leader gave his word."
He also said that Turkey would be a part of this new establishment, looking out both its interests and the Mediterranean's common benefits.
(TÇ-MS)
DIP)