EU All in Pieces Over Turkey

Greece and Greek Cypriots would also join this group, over the disputes in the Aegean side and the recognition of Southern Cyprus by Ankara.

Support came to Turkey from influential EU members Germany, Britain, Italy, Spain and Belgium.

Belgian Foreign minister Karel De Gucht who is on a visit to Ankara said that the EU summit should produce a clear message aiming at full membership of Turkey and talks with Turkey should begin in 2005.

De Gucht added that Cyprus was not a pre-condition to begin talks with Turkey. She criticised the draft prepared by Netherlands about Turkey as being vague and causing problems.

Among EU members, Ireland, Finland and Sweden are welcoming Turkey’s reforms but are awaiting concrete practice. The Czech Republic extends clear support to Turkey.