EP President says their report doesn't impose additional preconditions before Turkey

ISTANBUL (AA) - European Parliament (EP) President Josep Borrell Fontelles said on Saturday that their report did not impose additional preconditions before opening of negotiations with Turkey.
     Speaking in a conference on ``Turkey-EU relations in the threshold of a critical decision`` held in Istanbul by Economic Development Foundation (IKV) and Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), Borrell Fontelles said, ``starting full membership negotiations with 25-member European Union (EU) means recognizing these 25 members. But, it is not a thing that should be done before these negotiations are opened. But, this is implied.``
     Borrell Fontelles said, ``in the vote held four days ago, an open message came out. And, majority of the parliament supports opening of negotiations (with Turkey) without delay. But, the majority also thinks that Turkey has more to do although it wins a date on December 17th.``
    
     -WE WANT NEGOTIATIONS AIMING AT FULL MEMBERSHIP-
     Borrell Fontelles said that the report of the committee set the target of negotiations as full membership.
    
     -CYPRUS-
     Referring to Cyprus problem, Borrell Fontelles said, ``I want to say a few sensitive points regarding Cyprus. The constructive efforts of the Turkish government and Turkish Cypriot officials to find a solution is clearly seen. And, the stance of Turkish government is very obvious. The parliament approved a financial support package due to this stance of Turkish Cypriots. But, this is different from recognition. The report of the parliament doesn`t impose additional conditions before negotiations. Our report points out that you can`t negotiate with people whom you don`t recognize. Starting full membership negotiations with 25-member European Union (EU) means recognizing these 25 members. But, it is not a thing that should be done before these negotiations are opened. But, this is implied. ``
     Noting that the final decision would be made on December 14th, Borrell Fontelles said, ``the parliament will make its own decision three days before the decision of heads of state and government. And, some steps to be taken by Turkey before this day will make great changes.
     (BRC-AY)
2004-12-04