Ankara Demands Unconditional Date

Turkey’s demands include:

– The date when negotiations begin should be made crystal clear

– No pre-conditions should be set for the start of negotiations

– The process should be sustainable

– EU should put forward its perspective on Turkey’s membership clearly

On the way home from Slovenia yesterday, Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul discussed the EU’s December Summit. He said Turkey initially submitted a written response to the Summit draft document. "We are trying to get the best outcome for Turkey calmly and strategically. We are working toward a clear announcement of the start date on December 17th," said Gul. The Minister stressed that the only acceptable pre-conditions to starting negotiations are the Copenhagen political criteria and that Turkey will not accept any other pre-conditions. He said that from the beginning, Turkey has been working toward its goal of "full membership" in the EU process and said "sustainable" negotiations are as important as receiving a clear cut date for talks. "On this matter, there should not be any doubts and the EU should remain loyal to its agreements, transparency, and provisions."

Gul noted four negativities in the draft:

Negotiations can be halted by only a third of the member countries

Permanent restrictions on the Turkish labor force movement are recommended

De facto recognition of the Cypriot Greek administration is recommended

Turkey should not become a member before 2014.

Decisions regarding the start of negotiations is left up to the EU leaders.

Gul said that prior to the December 17th meeting, Ankara will hold a meeting with the leaders of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). He believes that it will be beneficial to examine the situation with TRNC President Rauf Denktas and Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Talat. He added that Turkey has been diligently following its Cyprus strategy and has a permanent vision for a permanent solution.

The Minister also said the report prepared after the April 24th referenda in Cyprus should be discussed at the United Nations (UN) Security Council soon as it will be impossible for Turkey to recognize the Cypriot Greek administration without first solving the Cyprus issue first. "The Cyprus issue has not yet been solved. Unfortunately, the Greek administration became an EU member before a solution was found and the EU is experiencing difficulties because of it. Without a final solution on the issue, recognition is out of the question."

Regarding his trip to Slovenia, Gul said that the Slovac government supports Turkey’s accession to the Union.