Prodi: Main Agenda of My Visit is Human Rights

Making a statement in Strasbourg yesterday, Prodi said the E.C. will check that reforms have been implemented and other deficiencies have been completed in preparation for a report in autumn; however the Council will have the right to say final word on the discussion date.

As the first Commission president to visit Turkey in 40 years, it was reported that Prodi will dwell upon the resolution of the Cyprus issue by May 1, 2004. In a statement issued by the E.C. Turkey Desk, during the visit, Prodi will praise the changes in Turkey and make a call for the continuation and implementation of reforms.

E.C. Commissioner for Enlargement, Günther Verheugen, will accompany Prodi. Verheugen gave an interview to the Stuttgarter Zeitung newspaper yesterday in which he stressed that the reality of Turkey’s E.U. membership cannot be changed by anyone.

Warning German Christian Union parties, Verheugen said that to claim Turkey cannot be a member even if it fulfills all the requirements will be pulling the rug out from under the reformists’ feet in Ankara. The Commissioner emphasized that the start of discussions does not guarantee Turkey’s E.U. membership.