BRUSSELS - French President Jacques Chirac said on Friday that participation of Turkey would add strength to the European Union (EU).
Chirac, who was in Brussels for EU summit, replied to questions in a press conference prior to his departure from the city.
When a journalist said, ''EU Acting President the Netherlands exerts great efforts to reach a compromise about Turkey. The Dutch Foreign Minister said there were several big obstacles on the road,'' and asked whether France would be one of those obstacles in December Summit, Chirac said, ''you know my stance about Turkey. If Turkey adopts all the values and practices of the EU, Europe would be further strengthened with the joining of Turkey. Naturally, this is not easy. For many times I said we wished this to be possible. It is a difficult problem to be solved and requires time.''
Chirac said, ''the question of Turkey's accession to the EU cannot be solved before 10-15 years. We should say that irresponsible discussions are underway regarding the balance of strength in the future world and interests of Europe. If Turkey accepts to carry out necessary reforms, this is really very good. If Turkey refuses to put the reforms into force, naturally the negotiations will end.''
''It can be noticed within a few years that this is something difficult but not impossible. The progress made by Turkey may not be enough for it to adopt all the European values. In this case, a method should be found to provide a sufficiently strong tie to prevent any separation between Turkey and Europe. This problem should be taken up not through polemics but calmly and by taking into consideration historic vision and political perspective of the world,'' Chirac stressed.
(AY-ULG)