Barroso Expresses Belief That A Decision Will Be Made To Start Full Membership Negotiations With Turkey

BRUSSELS (AA) - European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso on Thursday expressed belief that EU heads of state and government would make a decision to start full membership negotiations with Turkey.
     Barroso told a press conference prior to EU summit that a historic decision would be made for Turkey, and noted that Turkey was a very different country with its geographical position, position as bridge, economic power, and potential. Barroso said Turkey's accession would be good for the EU.
     Barroso said a balanced attitude was pursued against Turkey, noting that they were aware of the problems, but at the same time the steps Turkey made were also taken into consideration. He said, ''time came to start negotiations'' and stressed that the target would be full membership in negotiations.
     Mentioning the concerns in several member countries and public opinions about Turkey's accession to the EU, Barroso called on Turkey to take more steps toward Europe.
     Barroso said Greek Cypriots would also be at the table, ''however,'' he noted Turkey did not recognize the Greek Cypriot administration.
     Replying to a question about Cyprus issue, Barroso said no new political conditions would be imposed on Turkey, noting that Turkey needed to ''win the hearts'' of the EU public opinion. He said this can not take place through complicated negotiations, but through good will gestures.
     Barroso said Turkey would be in a position to recognize all the member countries when it becomes the EU full member.
     Replying to a question about permanent derogations proposed for Turkey, Barroso said he thought this problem would be solved in the summit and that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan sensitively focused on this issue.
     Barroso said the European Commission brought this proposal about free movement of Turkish workers, yet that any discrimination or special status was not in question. He said there was much concern about this issue in some member countries, noting that permanent derogations were implemented on some member countries.
     Barroso said European Commission said the issue of derogations against Turkey should not be comprehensive.
     Focusing on the concerns of the EU public opinion often, Barroso said Turkey would be in a position to struggle much to convince the public.
     Replying to a question about so-called genocide on Armenians, Barroso said bringing new political conditions in front of Turkey at the last minute was out of question.
     (AY-A֩
2004-12-16