If Criteria Are Fulfilled, Turkey Can Enter EU

Chirac said that, in spite of the determination of Turkish officials, Turkey had not fulfilled all the criteria yet. Upon a question on the European identity of Turkey, Chirac said; One part of Turkey is in Europe, and the other is out of Europe. However, Turkey has been saying that she is of Europe for 34 years. She is a member of NATO. In other words it is not matter whether or not they are in Europe. They want to join. If they comply with the conditions, Europe is ready to admit them. Whether or not Turkey is in Europe or not is a historical and geographical issue, which should be tackled by specialists. However this is not a distinguishing factor.