Verheugen: Turkey Is A Candidate And Will Be A Member

BRUSSELS - European Union (EU) Commissioner for Enlargement Guenter Verheugen said on Tuesday that EU candidate Turkey would be a member when it fulfills the criteria.
Speaking at European Policies Center in Brussels, Verheugen said Turkey would be a member of the EU, noting it was unnecessary to discuss this issue.
Verheugen said they wanted to know and set up positive relations soon with the government that would be established, stressing that first statements of Justice and Development Party (AK Party) leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan were promising. He said Turkey strategy of the EU was successful, and that it was not necessary to be changed.
Pointing out that reforms would continue in Turkey, and that this could be easier with the majority of the new government in the parliament, Verheugen criticized the statements of Valery Giscard d'Estaing.
He said Turkey was a candidate, and that it would be a full member when it fulfills criteria, stressing that full membership of Turkey would not create a problem for the EU, and that Turkish public was sensitive and that unfortunate statements should be avoided.
Verheugen said what should be discussed was what kind of a Turkey was wanted, and whether or not the EU got prepared for this as required. Verheugen said they have drawbacks regarding setting a date for Turkey to start full membership negotiations in Copenhagen summit.
Pointing out that Accession Partnership Document would be updated and that financial aid would increase, Verheugen said political criteria should be fully met to start negotiations.
Verheugen reiterated their demands to release those who committed crimes of thought that does not include violence and the demands to fight against torture.
Describing the U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan's Cyprus proposal as ''balanced'', Verheugen said the was the guaranty for the sides not to provide superiority on each other. He said facilities were given for Cyprus to be one voice.
Pointing out that timing of Annan's proposal was not a coincidence, and that the EU also had contacts with Annan, Verheugen said an important process was experienced before Copenhagen. He gave the message that the EU would show necessary flexibility in the transition period.