We Want To Give Priority To Opening Of Chapter On Energy, E.U. Term President

STRASBOURG - European Union (EU) term president Czech Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Vondra said Wednesday they want to give priority to the opening of the chapter on energy in full membership negotiations with Turkey.
Speaking at the general assembly of the European Parliament where a debate on a report on Turkey, prepared by rapporteur Ria Oomen-Ruijten, is taking place, Vondra said that the Czech presidency wishes to open to negotiations two chapters related to social policy, employment and taxation.

Stressing Turkey's strategic importance, Vondra said that the Nabucco project is crucial for the EU.

"It is among our priorities to open the chapter on energy to negotiations with Turkey," Vondra noted.

As far as reforms are concerned, Turkey has not met our expectations in the year 2008, Vondra said.

There is a need for important reforms in Turkey and we expect to see promises turned into actions, Vondra said.

Turkey must facilitate freedom of expression and end ill treatment, Vondra said.

Turkey must do more to eradicate problems of its religious minorities, Vondra said.

Touching on the developments in south-eastern Anatolia, Vondra stressed that the social, economic and cultural development of this region must be given importance.