ISTANBUL - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed belief on Monday that December 17th, 2004 would be a historic milestone (as regards Turkey-EU relations). Addressing the Seventh Foreign Trade Week held in Istanbul Erdogan said, ``we were in Brussels on September 23rd, and in Germany yesterday. Finally, (Turkey`s) negotiation date (with the European Union) will be known soon. I believe that December 17th, 2004 will be a historic milestone (in this regard). Historic opportunities occur for everyone who wants to make business, invest and export. You should use well these opportunities.``
Erdogan noted that ``his government had made significant progress in recent days on his way to EU full membership, and realized unimaginable reforms``.
``Even the circles who had doubts about Turkey`s EU membership had started to appreciate Turkey`s and Turkish government`s performances``, Erdogan stated.
Erdogan said that Turkey had met almost all the Copenhagen criteria, and started to implement reforms, and noted, ``we now have only one goal and expectation. That is to start full membership negotiations (with the EU) as soon as possible, and become an EU full member.``
Stressing that the atmosphere of confidence and stability had started to bear fruit, Erdogan said that Turkey was becoming a center of attraction.
(BRC-ULG) 04.10.2004