ANKARA, Dec 24 (AFP) - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday called on fellow-citizens to remain united and firm during long negotiations ahead on joining the European Union.
His remarks followed an EU summit last week that produced a breakthrough for Turkey's ambition to join the Union, when EU leaders decided on opening membership negotiations next year.
Addressing the nation on television, Erdogan said: "We have a difficult journey ahead of us, littered with obstacles."
"Our path will be long," he continued, stressing his confidence that Turkey posssessed the necessary determination and maturity to complete "an odyssey lasting 41 years."
This was a reference to the fact that Turkey signed an association agreement with the then European Economic Comnmunity in 1963, and since then has been knocking at the door for full membership of its successors, the European Community and the present European Union.
Calling on his people to show firmness and to maintain their cool during the tough negotiations scheduled to start next October 3, Erdogan predicted: "On some issues, accord could be reached within a time span exceeding our expectations."
He also stressed that his government would not accept any fait accompli by the EU members, appealing to these not to impose demands on Turkey by force.
He did not specify what these were, but added: "All the requests of the EU will be assessed as they must be assessed in any perfectly democratic country and modern civil society."
European doubts about Turkey's civil and human rights record have in the past hindered progress towards opening EU membership negotiations.
"Turkey does not wish to become an EU member in order to be a burden," Erdogan said, stressing reforms undertaken by the country, especially in the economic field:
"Turkey wants to be an EU member to share the EU burden," he said.
12/24/2004 20:29 GMT - AFP