ISTANBUL - Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that Turkey would do its homework on time (in the period until October 3rd) regarding its EU bid.
Addressing the Turkish German Economy Congress, Erdogan referred to Turkey`s EU bid.
Stressing that Turkey`s EU membership continued to be Turkey`s basic foreign policy priority, Erdogan said that the government showed a model willingness in fulfilling Copenhagen political criteria. The reforms undertaken by Turkey were described as revolution by the EU public opinion and political leaders, Erdogan said.
``The importance we attribute to implementation of reforms and completion of our deficiencies doesn`t decrease, on the contrary it increases...Turkey is aimed to complete the scanning process and start active talks with EU before the end of the year. Turkey will also fulfil its commitment of signing additional protocol of Ankara agreement before October 3rd. I am sure EU will also complete its preparations until October 3rd,`` Erdogan said.
Referring to the importance which businessmen play in strengthening relations between Turkey and Germany, Erdogan said that the efforts and activities of businessmen would also contribute to Turkey`s integration process with the EU.
Responding to a question, Erdogan said that the referendum which was going to be held in France about EU constitution was not related to Turkey in any way. ``This is a separate issue. Besides Turkey`s starting entry talks with EU doesn`t have any preconditions,`` Erdogan stressed.
2005-05-04