WASHINGTON, Dec 17 (AFP) - The White House on Friday warmly welcomed a hard-fought deal between the European Union and Turkey that sets the stage for Ankara to start EU entry talks next year.
"We welcome the European Union`s decision to begin accession talks with Turkey on October 3," 2005, spokesman Scott McClellan told reporters.
"Turkey`s full integration into the European Union will be good for Europe and the world. The announcement of accession talks brings this step closer than ever."
The accession talks are expected to last at least a decade. But, if successful, they would see the European Union`s sphere of power extend from the Atlantic shores of Ireland to deep into the Middle East.
It would also see Turkey, already a NATO ally, become the first predominantly Muslim nation in the European family, and take the European Union`s frontiers to Iran, Iraq and Syria.
"Turkey`s 150 years of experience with ground-breaking reforms to build a secular democracy in a predominantly Muslim society provide examples for all those in the broader Middle East and beyond striving for freedom, prosperity and justice," said McClellan.
"And we congratulate (Turkish) Prime Minister (Recep Tayyip) Erdogan and his government and the European council for their visionary leadership."
12/17/2004 18:48 GMT - AFP