Berlusconi And Simitis: E.U. Should Open Talks With Turkey Before January 2004

Berlusconi said date for date is not acceptable, adding ”we are the advocates of Turkey in Europe.”

Berlusconi said that Greek Prime Minister Simitis, British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Spanish Prime Minister Jose Marie Aznar share same views about Turkey’s starting accession talks with the EU.

Greek Prime Minister Simitis said in his part that a date has to be given to Turkey at Cohenhagen summit which has to be before January 2004.

”We have to give Turkey a positive message because the more this date for talks is put back, the less clear the message that we are giving will become,” Simitis told reporters.

Upon a question, Simitis said that Cyprus issue can’t be an obstacle for EU’s giving a date to Turkey. ”Both sides in Cyprus responded to the Annan’s plan and the negotiations continue. These negotiations will also continue after Copenhagen summit,” he said.