United States Welcomes European Commission's Recommendation

WASHINGTON - The United States welcomed the recommendation of the European Commission to start membership talks with Turkey.
A high-level official of the U.S. State Department told the A.A on Wednesday that the United States will also be pleased if European Council gives an early negotiation date for Turkey in December.
The official said, ''we understand that the Council's report made a strong recommendation to start entry talks with Turkey. This report also brings a detailed view regarding Turkey's transformation including the important political and other reforms which Turkey fulfilled in line with criteria for the EU membership. We welcome Turkey's strong determination to pursue reforms throughout EU membership process. We also welcome European Commission's positive recommendation about Turkey. We have been supporting Turkey's full membership for a long time and we will also be pleased if the Council sets an early date for talks in December. The final decision is up to the Council. We are sure that Turkey has the will for success in its EU bid.''
(GC-MS) 06.10.2004