Morgan Stanley: Statements Of New Pope Will Not Affect Turkey's E.U. Negotiations

LONDON/ANKARA - International Investment Bank Morgan Stanley said on Thursday that previous statements of the new Pope (Benedict XVI) about Turkey would not affect Turkey's entry talks with the European Union (EU).
Assessment of Morgan Stanley stressed that the EU was a secular institution.
The Pope, in his previous statements to the press, said it was a big mistake that European Constitution did not stress Christian identity of Europe, expressing hope that this would change.
Analysts emphasize that Turkey's accession to the EU would be assessed within political and economic criteria, not religious.