ISTANBUL (AA) - ''Entry talks with the EU do not last long if Turkey shows that it fully implements the reforms before and after start of this process,'' Dutch Deputy Prime Minister & Finance Minister Gerrit Zalm said on Friday.
Zalm stated the Netherlands would give full support to Turkey on the road to the EU if Turkey maintains political and economic reforms.
Evaluating his contacts in Turkey, Zalm told the A.A correspondent in Istanbul that Turkey recently fulfilled significant reforms on the way to the EU. ''Sometimes, it is more difficult to carry on structural reforms than initiating them.''
Zalm said, ''Turkey is now at a very important stage. If it maintains the reforms, it would be a country ready for the EU. However, Turkey must preserve the momentum of reforms.''
Zalm noted that no concessions should be made from the reforms and warned Turkey not to get tired of reforms.
-STAND-BY AGREEMENT-
Zalm also stressed that three-year stand-by deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) would be an important pushing force in maintaining the reforms.
The Dutch minister noted that there was no hesitation that EU entry talks would start in October.
(AY-MS)
2005-05-06