Chief Negotiator Ali Babacan: Negotiations Will Begin On October 3rd

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish State Minister and Chief Negotiator Ali Babacan has indicated today (Thursday) that entry negotiations with the European Union (EU) will begin on October 3rd.
     ''There needs to be a step taken in this regard. And, that is the signing of the Customs Union's additional protocol. Once bureaucratic procedures are completed in Brussels, we will sign this protocol,'' said Babacan.
     Babacan talked to reporters after he took the floor at a conference in Bogazici University on the occasion of the 20th year of the Turkish-American Business Council.
     Reminded about the results of the referenda in France and the Netherlands, Babacan told that the EU will go through different atmospheres in the next decade. ''We must be ready to face different political developments in member countries,'' noted Babacan.
     Babacan remarked that developments in the EU from now on will focus on common values, towards firmer unity and mutual interests among member states.
     Babacan indicated that what is important for the Turkish society is that Turkey gets closer to higher living standards all across the country. ''We want to improve living standards in Turkey,'' told Babacan.
     Babacan added that problems, economic or political, may take place in EU states from time to time. ''We will not be irritated by certain developments. We are firmly determined to go on our path which we believe is right.''
     (SOL-MS)
2005-06-02