ANKARA (AA) - Turkey-EU Joint Consultation Committee Co-President Jan Olsson said on Wednesday that the Committee targeted the participation of the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Turkey-EU negotiation process.
''The negotiations can only be successful if NGOs take part in that,'' told Olsson at the joint news conference with Suleyman Celebi (the Co-President of the Committee's Turkish wing).
Olsson said that they aimed to ensure active participation of NGOs in Turkey-EU relations, stressing that the entry talks between Turkey and EU would start on Oct 3rd.
Olsson indicated that NGOs should be authorized to undertake important tasks for Turkey's EU bid, adding that NGOs in Turkey and EU should cooperate more intensely.
Suleyman Celebi said in his part that he shared the view of Olsson regarding the participation of NGOs in Turkey's EU bid. He said ''as the Joint Consultation Committee, we want to start a new process in Turkey where NGOs and trade unions can have a more influential role in Turkey's EU bid.''
When asked to comment on the concern of some EU countries about the young population in Turkey, Olsson said that population in 25 European countries get older and consequently Turkish young population could work in the EU countries. ''This may come true between 2015-2020 when Turkey joins EU,'' he commented.
(֓-ULG)
2005-05-18