ISTANBUL (AA) - EU Commission Turkey Representative Hans Jorg Kretschmer has indicated on Friday that the speed of reforms in Turkey will determine the outcome of negotiations. An efficient and comprehensive reform package will result in early accession, told Kretschmer.
In a speech delivered at the Forum Istanbul 2005 meeting, Kretschmer remarked that EU's decision of October 3rd is actually a political one. A different decision could have been made. No one should have any doubts about the decision taken on December 17th. This shows Europe's political will about Turkey's accession into the union, stated Kretschmer.
Kretschmer mentioned that Turkey must fulfill its duties in making the essential political reforms. ''Turkey must do its homework in implementing the reforms,'' said Kretschmer.
The public opinion is the biggest supporter of the negotiations and the Turkish government must do more in informing the Turkish society about its EU process, commented Kretschmer.
Referring to EU's pre-accession assistance, Kretschmer pointed out that in 2006 Turkey will receive half a million Euro as financial grant. After 2006, Turkey will receive one million Euro annually, said Kretschmer.
Kretschmer expressed that if Turkey does its homework, then the EU is ready to give full support to Turkey. If political stability is maintained, Turkey will have a good chance of becoming a full member, told Kretschmer.
Kretschmer noted that by letting in Turkey as a full member the EU would have gained a country that has political and economic stability.
Polish Central Bank's Deputy Chairman Pawel Samecki indicated that there could be tiresome topics during entry negotiations. However, with good planning the difficulties could be overcome, said Samecki.
Samecki added that the EU would not let a country in that poses serious macro economic threats. ''Turkey must continue its reforms. Political stability is crucial,'' mentioned Samecki.
Karel Lukas of the Czech Republic's Industry Confederation commented that national interests could be spelled out as a radical. ''If you can join the opposition in your arguments, you could be more successful. We could not do this and experienced some problems. You must be careful while implementing judicial reforms,'' indicated Lukas.
Meanwhile, Turkish Prime Ministry EU General Secretary Murat Sungar has noted that when the negotiations begin on October 3rd, political topics will have to leave their place on the agenda to rural development, doing away with regional differences, economic and social harmonization and the harmonization of sectors.
Sungar stressed that the topics of Cyprus, Armenians and minorities are political matters not mentioned in the Copenhagen criteria.
2005-05-06