Heated Debates Center around Turkey Report

"I think this is the biggest nonsense I heard in 2004," said Europe People’s Party leader Hans-Gert Poettering when the Commission announced that there was no evidence of systematic torture in Turkey.

Socialist leader Martin Schulz said: "We want big security plans to be made in order to preserve the peace in the 21st century. I think we have a better chance for this with Turkey than without Turkey."

Liberal group leader Graham Watson said, "The EU’s openness to Turkey should contribute to the harmonization of the three monotheist religions."

Daniel Cohn-Bendit of the Greens, which reacted against the anti-Turkey groups, signaled his support for start of negotiations. "I absolutely believe that this will contribute to peace. At the same time, it will increase Europe’s strategic importance in a dangerous world."