German government reaffirms support for Turkey’s EU bid

Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder’s government is a strong supporterof Turkey’s EU membership but the conservative opposition argued that Turkey should enjoy a "privileged partnership" rather than a full membership.

Last week, the European Commission recommended the beginning ofmembership talks with Turkey. The 25 EU leaders will make a final decision at a December summit in Brussels.

There are some 2.6 million people of Turkish origin in Germany and some 750,000 have attained German citizenship. Enditem