Decision on Turkey should be Made Openly

Barroso told the German newspaper Bild am Sonntag yesterday: "People in Europe expect an extensive discussion on this issue. Whether or nor referendums will be held is to be determined by the member states themselves." In response to a question regarding the effect of Turkey’s membership on the EU, Barroso replied: "First, membership negotiations should start with Turkey. Turkey may only become a member of the EU once it has fulfilled all the political and economic criteria. In order to achieve this, it is necessary to pass reforms that move Ankara closer to Europe."

French Economy and Finance Minister Nicolas Sarkozy, known for his anti-Turkey stance, has meanwhile been elected to lead the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP). Sarkozy reportedly received 85 percent of the votes at yesterday’s UMP convention. About 130,000 delegates voted in the election via the Internet since November 15th, UMP deputy Nicolas Dupont received 9.1 percent and Christine Boutin received 5.82 percent of the votes. Sarkozy advocates a privileged partnership for Turkey and announced that he would resign from the ministry once elected as UMP leader.