BRUSSELS - If Turkey is determined to meet political criteria, the European Union (EU) entry talks should rapidly start, said Bernard Bot, Foreign Minister of EU Acting President the Netherlands.
Making a speech at European Parliament Commission on External Affairs, Bot said he worked as ambassador in Turkey and knew the country well. He noted, ''if Turkey is determined to meet political criteria, I think, entry talks should start rapidly; however, it will take time.''
Bot said, ''if Turkey does not become ready for talks, different scenarios can be in question.''
Noting, ''we are expecting the progress report of Turkey to be unveiled in October to decide on enlargement issue,'' Bot said, ''there will not be any new condition for Turkey.'' He added, ''different views can be expressed about the decision which will be taken for Turkey in EU Summit in December,'' stating that he did not indicate any view as acting president of the EU.
Upon a question about views for making privileged partnership with Turkey, Bot said, ''Turkey is given full membership perspective and all institutions know the developments.'' He added, ''there is no need to act as if Turkey's membership has newly emerged.''
(GC-AÖ) 02.09.2004