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EU draft report lists conditions for starting entry talks with Turke

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  • EU draft report lists conditions for starting entry talks with Turke

    EU draft report lists conditions for starting entry talks with Turkey

    Cyprus News Agency, Nicosia
    1 Dec 04

    Brussels, 30 November: The Foreign Affairs Committee of the European
    Parliament approved the draft report of Dutch Member of the European
    Parliament Camiel Eurlings on Turkey's accession course, inviting the
    council to open negotiations with Turkey without undue delay,
    stressing that the withdrawal of the Turkish forces in Cyprus "is a
    necessary step forward on the way to further ease tension" on the
    island.

    The draft report, which was approved by 50 votes to 18 with six
    abstentions, lists all the conditions that have yet to be met. On
    Cyprus, the MEPs want to see greater efforts from the Turkish
    authorities on the Cyprus issue.

    "Whilst respecting the democratic will of the Greek Cypriot
    community," which rejected a UN plan for a settlement in an April
    referendum, the Foreign Affairs Committee is disappointed that a
    solution has not been found and calls on "the Turkish authorities to
    maintain their constructive attitude" in finding "an equitable
    solution to be negotiated using as a basis the [UN Secretary-General
    Kofi] Annan plan and the principles upon which the EU is founded.".

    The MEPs believe that "a withdrawal of Turkish forces is a necessary
    step forward on the way to further ease tension".

    Since membership negotiations would take place between Turkey on one
    side and the 25 member states, including Cyprus, on the other, the
    MEPs consider that "the opening of negotiations naturally presumes the
    recognition of Cyprus by Turkey".

    The idea of offering Turkey a "privileged partnership" rather than
    membership of the EU if it does not bring itself into compliance with
    the Copenhagen criteria was rejected by the Committee but it may be
    put to the vote once again during the December plenary session.

    The report urges Turkey to maintain good neighbourly relations and to
    abstain from "threats and tension-prone activities."

    At the same time, the MEPs ask Turkey to pursue its efforts at
    reconciliation with Armenia and to reopen the border with this
    country.

    The Committee approved amendments by MEPs Ioannis Kasoulidhis, Charlie
    Tannock and Bernd Posselt encouraging Turkey to implement the legal
    changes it has approved and their application as regards to education
    and radio and television transmissions for non-Muslim minorities
    (Greeks, Armenians, Jews and Syrians).
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