Erdogan’s Message: No Conditional Yes

"A conditional yes or other such things are not for us," expressed Erdogan, underlining the fact that there has not been such a practice for the EU members or other countries continuing their negotiation process. Erdogan added, "It is impossible for us to accept a principle that is not part of the acquis communutaire."

Erdogan met with French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin at the French Prime Ministry Residence. Raffarin said after the meeting that his country would carefully examine the EU Commission’s Progress Report on Turkey, due out on October 5, and make a decision in December.

The French Prime Minister added they he and Erdogan discussed some international and mutual issues in the meeting. Raffarin expressed that the two men had similar views concerning many issues in Europe.

Prime Minister Erdogan emphasized in the meeting that Turkey wants France to continue supporting Turkey’s EU process. State Minister Mehmet Aydin, Finance Minister Kemal Unakitan and Communication Minister Binali Yildirim also participated in Erdogan’s meeting with Raffarin.

Erdogan will also meet with French President Jacques Chirac during his three-day visit. Yesterday, Erdogan met with Turkish citizens living in France and listened to their concerns.

On the plane ride to France Erdogan answered the questions of several reporters. When asked about Chirac’s perceived support of Turkey’s EU membership, Erdogan responded, "He repeatedly told us that he was on the same line as German Prime Minister [Gerhard] Schröeder. At the North Atlantic Treat Organization (NATO) Summit in Istanbul [held in June 28-29,] he personally said to me that 60-70 percent of the French people support Turkey’s EU process. I believe that positive opinions will continue."

Erdogan added that he certainly believes the EU will give a date to Turkey at the December Summit to start the accession process.