If the Turkey’s report is positive, negotiations should begin immediately.

Schroder answered Le Figaro’s questions about foreign policy yesterday. He said that if the EU commission gave a positive report, then there should be no obstacles to the start of Turkey’s full membership negotiations. Schroder pointed out that his attitude was clear on this issue. He also mentioned that he was satisfied with the attitude of French President Jacques Chirac.

European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Günter Verheugen also added his support to Turkey’s membership bid, saying that if Turkey fulfilled the conditions the decision about its membership should be made as soon as possible. Verheugen spoke on German Frankfurter Rundschau Radio, where he said that the most important issue for the EU after its recent enlargement on May 1 is to begin membership negotiations with Turkey.