Prodi says EU has nothing to fear from Turkish membership

BRUSSELS, Oct 6 (AFP) - European Commission President Romano Prodi said on Wednesday a strong European Union had nothing to fear from Turkey eventually joining the 25-nation bloc, after announcing that the EU's executive had given a "conditional yes" to Ankara's request to start membership talks.
"A Europe that is sure of itself, has a constitution and strong institutions and policies, is returning to economic growth and is based on a strong model of peace, prosperity and solidarity has nothing to fear from the integration of Turkey," Prodi said.
"The accession of Turkey is but one of the numerous challenges we will have to face," he told the European Parliament, the EU's directly-elected assembly.
Directing his remarks at the government in Ankara, Prodi added: "By giving a positive response today, the Commission is recognising your historic aspiration, incarnated by (modern Turkey's founding father) Ataturk, to fully participate in Europe's destiny and values."