COPENHAGEN - The draft final resolution of the European Union (EU) Copenhagen summit does not give a date to open negotiations with Turkey while it adopts continuation of enlargement process.
In the draft resolution, it is noted that Turkey has to correct its human rights and economy report and these issues will be reviewed at the end of 2004.
The draft resolution does not foresee a date for opening of negotiations.
EU leaders stated that negotiations could begin in December 2004 while the draft resolution does not refer to this issue.
European Commission President Romano Prodi told reporters that opening of negotiations with Turkey could extend till mid-2005.
The draft resolution notes that the EU hopes membership of a united Cyprus while it states that the Greek Cypriot administration can be an EU member on its own if a development is not recorded in solution of Cyprus question.
ANKARA POSITIVE TOWARDS OPENING OF NEGOTIATIONS WITH EU IN DECEMBER 2004
A diplomat in Turkish delegation said on Friday that this date did not fully meet Turkey's expectations but a decision to be made at the summit would put Turkey's full membership process on the right track.
The diplomat noted that this was a very pleasing incident for Turkey on its own and said that with this date, the proposal of France and Germany to open negotiations with Turkey on July 1, 2005 was left aside.
Turkey's candidacy was on an unreturnable course, the diplomat added.