German Rau: Turkey belongs in EU

In a statement to Bild newspaper, President Rau said that all federal governments from the Kohl government to Schroeder government in Germany always back the view that Turkey should start accession talks if it meets the requirements for the membership criteria. "Questions such as whether those criteria have been met or when such criteria will be met can be asked, but the EU should not think of other alternatives beyond the existing agreement," said Rau.

Indicating the existence of the EU’s concerns on enlargement, Rau said that those concerns have long been a factor, but that the EU would see the strengthening of Europe within a very short period after this enlargement is completed.

Schroeder: Turkey in the EU will increase Europe’s security
Supporting what Rau said concerning Turkey’s EU membership, German Prime Minister Gerhard Shroeder said in his statement to the weekly journal "Focus" that if the assessment report is positive, the EU will start the accession talks.

Schroeder also added if the moderate Islam and western democracy in Turkey succeed in reconciling with each other, this will increase Europe’s security.