Erdogan, Schroeder Mull over Turkey’s EU Membership Progress

The two leaders discussed the upcoming European Union (EU) Commission Progress Report on Turkey as well as EU Commissioner for Enlargement Gunter Verheugen’s cryptic message that "some of the items in the report might be hard for Turkey to accept."

"We have acted seriously and done everything required regarding the political criteria," said Erdogan. "We expect our European colleagues to show the same seriousness."

Erdogan emphasized that he still believed the progress report would be positive. Turkey anxiously awaits the December 17th EU Summit, where the country will finally learn if it is to receive a discussion date.

German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder acknowledged his support of Erdogan yesterday. The German leader implied that if the progress report is favorable, Turkey could definitely count on the support of Germany come December 17th.

During the award ceremony for Erdogan, Schroeder pointed out, "I am grateful to have awarded such a great reformist, who will make his country an EU member, with Die Quadriga prize."

Added Schroeder, "Erdogan and I both agree on the fact that the membership discussions are supposed to start and that there should be no additional conditions. At the same time, we both realize that the discussions will be long and difficult."

A reporter then asked Schroeder, "There is an expression in the Progress Report that states Turkey still engages in systematic torture. Does Germany suggest starting discussions with a country that implements systematic torture?"

Schroeder responded, "I as a chancellor have not heard of such a thing. Bravo to you. How did you learn that?"

Erdogan also responded by pointing out that sources close to the EU Commission have actually informed that no such phrase about systematic torture in Turkey appears in the progress report.

"Turkey does not engage in torture of any kind, whether systematic or not. Rest assured that we deal with any isolated incidents that crop up," Erdogan made clear.

The German chancellor, hinting that the implementation report was also very important, continued, "The esteemed prime minister has decisively carried out reforms since he was appointed. I believe that he would go on like this, and therefore he deserves our trust. Moreover, the commission will review this trust from time to time."