Gul: We Expect the EU’s Word

Gul said that the progress report, released on October 6th, recommended the start of negotiations and that the EU should therefore practice its previous decision. "We, as Turkey, play like the Europeans. We, in return, expect them to act like Europeans", said Gul. He added that the Turkish government does not anticipate any wrong maneuvers from France on December 17 when the EU leaders meet at a summit to decide Turkey’s fate.

Following the Forum, French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier said that the debates within Europe are normal, and to remain silent about Turkey’s membership is unacceptable. Barnier underscored that the dialogue with Turkey is important for France, as well as Turkey. The European Council, he said, will decide on December 17 whether to start membership negotiations with Turkey.

After the forum, Gul met with the EU Term President, Bernard Bot, The Netherlands’ Foreign Minister. Gul informed him that he will have close contacts with Turkey leading up to December 17th. The meetings will be critical to Turkey since the Dutch will organize the December 17th summit.