Cicek: E.U. Cannot Discriminate Turkey Regarding Free Movement Right

BERLIN - ''The EU cannot discriminate Turkey regarding the right of free movement,'' said Justice Minister Cemil Cicek.
Cicek met deputies and businessmen of Turkish origin in Germany on Thursday. ''We have objected to some points mentioned in the Progress Report of European Commission'' Cicek told reporters, following the meeting.
''We have mainly objected to the expression on 'removal of free movement right completely'. EU recognizes the right to free movement of goods and people. Turkey cannot be discriminated about this issue. Naturally a transition period can be considered, but a partnership which will deprive Turkey of this opportunity forever is unacceptable. This condition which is put on the table at this stage cannot be accepted,'' said Cicek.
''We cannot accept also additional conditions like holding referendum on Turkey's membership, if entry talks start and are completed (successfully),'' added Cicek.
''There are also some issues in the report to be clarified regarding Customs Union. There are some other issues like that,'' noted Cicek.
(GC-ULG) 21.10.2004