AKP and CHP Deputies Cooperate in EU Efforts

A joint statement issued by AKP deputies Ibrahim Ozal and Zekeriya Akcam and the CHP’s Professor Necdet Budak and Kemal Dervis indicated that any delay in EU membership for Turkey could not be accepted. The statement also said that the two parties were fully cooperating to prevent a possible delay.

The statement drew attention to the fact that the laws submitted to the Turkish Parliament to fulfill the Copenhagen criteria had passed by a large majority. It continued: "The foundation of this cooperation is based on a reflection of Turkish public opinion regarding the EU to parliament within political harmony. At the same time, we believe that a powerful and prosperous Turkey will make Europe stronger and will provide stability and progress in the Mediterranean region. This cooperation in the two-party Turkish Parliament is a historical event with this way of thinking in mind. We believe this will provide an important contribution to acceptance of Turkey’s full membership in the EU."

Selcuk Gultasli / BRUSSELS / BELGIUM