Erdogan: French Referendum's Result Is Not An Obstacle Before Turkey

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish Prime Minister and Justice and Development Party (AKP) leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan has indicated that the result of referendum on the European Union (EU) Constitution in France was not an obstacle before Turkey's road to the EU.
     Addressing the group meeting of AKP today (Tuesday), Erdogan noted, ''majority of French people said 'no' to the EU Constitution in Sunday's referendum. Some people said that the result of the referendum constitutes an obstacle in front of Turkey's membership but it is not true.''
     Erdogan stressed, ''we continue fulfilling the necessary conditions of the negotiation process upon the decision on December 17th. We expect to start membership negotiations (with the EU) on October 3rd. The timetable and road map of Turkey are certain.''
     Erdogan stated that the EU would hold the internal talks itself on political and legal issues that would appear due to the result of the referendum.
     ''EU is a strong formation. It will solve problems. I believe that,'' Erdogan indicated.
     (E֭MS)
2005-05-31