ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkey has economic and geostrategic importance for the European Union (EU), French senator Robert Del Picchia, who prepared France's official report on Turkey's EU membership, said on Friday.
Conferencing on ''outcome of the referendum in France, EU's future and relations with Turkey'' at the Sabanci University in Turkish metropolis of Istanbul, Del Picchia said that there were difficulties for both Turkey and the Union since Turkey was a big country.
''Because, it has to give a part of its sovereignty to Brussels. Turkey's candidacy is different from other candidacies because you are more important than other candidates. Turkey's population, area and market are giant. You are in the Council of Europe and the United Nations. Turkey is considered as an important partner,'' said Del Picchia.
Del Picchia noted that in case Turkey joined the EU, Europe's borders would expand till Iran, Iraq and Syria, and underlined that Turkey's geostrategic location was vital for Europe.
Stating that Europe could gain much from Turkey and Turkey would become a good market as its economy was strengthened, Del Picchia said, ''Turkey-EU relations will be perfect. Turkey is important and the market of the future. During the globalization process, the EU will carry out economic struggle against important trade zones like China, Russia and the United States, with Turkey in a better way.''
Del Picchia pointed out that any ''privileged partnership'' for Turkey during the negotiation process was out of question.
IT WON'T BE EASY
Del Picchia said that Turkey would not only carry out negotiations with the EU or Brussels, but separately with 25 member states. ''It will not be easy,'' noted Del Picchia.
Stating that EU people were against Turkey's candidacy, Del Picchia said, ''people should be convinced. Some people in the EU are afraid of Turkey for some problems may occur. They don't know Turkey.''
Turkey should increase its promotion activities to eliminate these fears, Del Picchia stressed.
REFERENDUM
Underlining that the French rejection of the EU Constitution had nothing to do with Turkey's membership, Del Picchia said that the French voted against the constitution because they were not pleased with the policies of their government.
TURKISH ECONOMY AND POLICY
Pointing out that Turkey was on the right economic track, Del Picchia expressed belief that Turkey's economy would be better within a few years.
Recalling some other problems, Del Picchia said that Turkey's efforts regarding human rights were positive and appreciated the government's (Turkish government's) ''zero tolerance to torture'' approach.
Del Picchia also underlined importance of reforms in justice and security.
Noting that Turkey's relations with Greece were also on the right track, Del Picchia said that some problems might be seen if Turkey does not recognize the Greek Cypriot administration.
''EU members want a solution of Cyprus problem also backed by everybody. I think this will be accomplished,'' added Del Picchia.
2005-06-10