European Parliament Accepts Resolution Calling For Start Of Entry Talks With Turkey

STRASBOURG (AA) - European Parliament on Wednesday accepted resolution calling for start of Turkey accession talks ''without undue delay''.
     The European Parliament, meeting in Strasbourg, France, voted 407 to 262, with 29 abstentions to pass the resolution.
     The resolution appreciated the reforms made in Turkey and stated that negotiations would be the starting point of a very long process, and noted that the process was open-ended in its nature and does not mean it would automatically result in full membership.
     The resolution said full membership depended on the mutual efforts of Turkey and the EU, and stressed that it was important that public opinions of Turkey and the EU should be informed effectively in Ankara's integration process.
     The resolution said negotiation process would last long and wanted restrictions on free movement and agriculture not to have a negative impact on Turkey's full membership efforts.
     The resolution hinted that full membership negotiations with Turkey could not be completed before that targets foreseen for EU's 2014 budget.
     The resolution called on solution of Turkey's problems with its neighbors in line with UN agreement. The resolution wanted restrictions toward Greek Cypriot flagged ships to be eliminated.
     The resolution said there should not be restrictions on the activities of minorities in Turkey, and called on Turkey to open seminary in Heybeliada within this framework.
     The European Parliament resolution included demands like ''recognition and protection of the Alawite sect, including the cemevi (prayer houses) of Alawites, religious education to be voluntary, taking influential measures in fight against torture, and annulment of village guard system in the Southeast.''
     The resolution called on Turkey to open its borders with Armenia and the Turkish and Armenian governments to support the peace process. It said sorrowful experiences of the past should be overcome with the support of independent experts.
     The amendment envisaging recognition of so-called genocide on Armenians as a condition for start of negotiations was rejected.
     However, an amendment making references to the resolution which European Parliament accepted earlier regarding recognition of so-called genocide, and another amendment envisaging European Commission and the Council to demand Turkey recognize the so-called genocide were accepted.
     European Parliament meanwhile rejected an amendment proposing Turkey ''privileged partnership'' instead of full membership.
     (AY-A֩
2004-12-15