SANLIURFA - The Head of the Delegation of the European Commission to Turkey, Ambassador Marc Pierini, said Tuesday the European Union (EU) accession process is a long and difficult one, but can end with success if conducted with determination.
Addressing a group of academicians and students at the Harran University in south-eastern province of Sanliurfa, Pierini said that "from time to time certain EU member states' leaders express notions against Turkey's accession into the EU. What is important is the joint decision of EU countries. Currently, entry negotiations with Turkey continue. When you look at the EU, the number of member states against Turkish membership is 3 or 4. The EU has a total membership of 27 countries."
Ambassador Pierini stressed that often he is asked if the negotiations with Turkey are conducted in a just manner.
"The answer is 'yes'. Turkey's negotiations in the year 2008 can not be compared to those of the United Kingdom in 1972. We can not ignore changes that took place in the EU since 1972. At that time, the EU's structure was weak. Today, we notice that member countries have more joint policies," Pierini said.
Touching on programs preceding EU accession, Pierini said that the EU provides financial and technical assistance to Turkey in 250 projects worth 1.5 billion euros.
"This amount has been presented to Turkey as a grant," Pierini also said.
(SOL-AÖ)
(DIP)