Balkenende: Turkey's Signing Ankara Protocol Will Legally Not Mean Recognition Of Greek Cypriot Administration

BRUSSELS (AA) - ''Turkey's signing Ankara protocol will not legally mean recognition of Greek Cypriot administration, however it will be the first stage in this direction,'' said Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende of the Netherlands which holds rotating EU presidency.
Holding a news conference following the EU Summit on Friday, Balkenende said, ''the target of the negotiations which will start on October 3rd, 2005 will be full membership. However this target cannot be guaranteed at the moment.''
Stressing, ''it is necessary for Turkey to sign Ankara protocol by covering 10 new members of the EU before the negotiations start,'' Balkenende said, ''Turkish government took an important and brave step.''
''Today we have taken a historical decision for the 21st century. Completion of negotiations with Turkey will take time,'' added Balkenende.
(GC-MS)
17.12.2004 - 19:41:00