ISTANBUL/ANKARA - Turkish business circles assessed the Progress Report of the European Commission about Turkey which was published today.
Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD) released a statement and said, ''a historical progress was recorded in relations between Turkey and the European Union (EU) with the report.''
''Turkey, which advances on negotiation process with the EU, will have important political, economic and social contributions to the future of Europe,'' said the statement.
TUSIAD said, ''the decision is a test for the EU in the aspects of political maturity and democratic ethic.''
Meanwhile, the Independent Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (MUSIAD) Chairman Omer Bolat said regarding the report that according to the expressions in the report, full membership seemed to take a long way for Turkey.
''Turkey enters a new process but full membership is not close,'' added Bolat.
Bolat said, ''the EU pursued its unwillingness and double standards about Turkey.'' He added, ''foreign policy of Turkish government should not be indexed only to the EU.''
Meanwhile, Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO) Chairman Sinan Aygun said regarding the report that details in the report were not known.
''They say 'we make you EU member but we will not permit you to move within the EU'. It is like an invitation of someone to a meal but not allowing him to eat. I think this attitude is wrong. They present special status as if it were a normal condition. Which of the EU members do not have free movement permit?'' said Aygun.
Aygun said, ''they say there are many missions to accomplish. What will happen about Cyprus, Aegean, southeast, minority and human rights issues? Will they ask us to accept so-called Armenian genocide? Will they ask us to open a seminary? We cannot see them clearly.''
(GC-MS) 06.10.2004