ISTANBUL (AA) - European Union Commissioner For Enlargement Olli Rehn has indicated today (Thursday) that they will try to open the way for Turkey's membership with the beginning of accession talks in October. ''Turkey's road is very open,'' stated Rehn.
Participating in a conference as part of Forum 2005, titled ''What kind of a world is waiting for us in 2023? Turkey's position and importance at this time,'' in Istanbul, Rehn remarked that the political climate in Turkey is very positive.
Rehn stressed that in 2023 the EU would be more united, deeper, wider and stronger. The EU would be stronger in protecting its citizens, peaceful order and living standards, told Rehn. ''EU would be bigger by including southeast Europe, Balkans and Turkey. Turkey will be successful with its reforms. Turkey, however, must continue making political, legal and economic reforms in order to be at a good point on the 100th anniversary of its foundation, namely 2023,'' expressed Rehn.
Rehn commented that Turkey must continue its momentum in making further legal reforms. Rehn said he thought Turkey was at a point of no return because the reforms engaged Turkish people's interest, and they were not made only for the EU.
(SOL-A֩
2005-05-05