Yakis: Turkey Targets To Finish Preparations For Fulfillment Of Copenhagen Criteria At The End Of 2003

PAPANDREOU: WE RELY ON TURKEY’S WILL TO PROGRESS ITS REFORM PROCESS

Speaking at the meeting, Foreign Minister George Papandreou of Greece, the current term president of the EU, said, ”now, it is time to work together.”
Noting that Turkey had been progressing on the path of EU accession, Papandreou said that appropriate ground existed for further improvement of relations.
Pointing out that the EU Commission would renew the Accession Partnership Accord by expanding its content, Papandreou said that a decision would be taken about the financial assistance package to Turkey in line with the new document.
”We rely on Turkey’s will to progress its reform process,” he said.
Papandreou expressed satisfaction over Turkish public opinion’s support to the accession process.
Noting that they welcomed Turkey’s target to fulfill the Copenhagen criteria before end of 2004, Papandreou said that Turkey’s place was in Europe.

VERHEUGEN: REVISED VERSION OF ACCESSION PARTNERSHIP ACCORD WILL BE APPROVED ON APRIL 14
Speaking at the meeting, EU Commissioner Guenter Verheugen for enlargement said that he had held a very beneficial meeting with Foreign Minister Yasar Yakis earlier in the day. Verheugen said that they were pleased with the government’s will to progress the reform process.
Noting that the revised version of the Accession Partnership Accord would be submitted to the EU Council in March, and was expected to be approved on April 14, Verheugen said that the new document envisaged to increase financial aid.
Expressing his satisfaction over Turkish government’s target to complete its preparations at the end of 2003, Verheugen added that they had reached compromise to increase the EU’s financial aid to Turkey.