Cyprus issue was not a requirement for EU membership

Asked about the EU Commission’s upcoming annual progress report on Turkey, draft copies of which have been leaked and widely discussed, Erdogan said that he would comment on it tomorrow, when it is officially released. He also remarked that solving the Cyprus issue was not among the criteria required for Turkey’s EU membership bid. For his part, the Belgian premier said that while a resolution on Cyprus wouldn’t guarantee Turkey’s membership, it could ease the process. Noting that October 2004 would be an important date for Turkey’s membership bid, he said, “The EU will issue a final report on Turkey that month, and then a final decision will be made.” After their meetings, Erdogan hosted a banquet in honor of the Belgian premier.