Zaman, Turkey
Dec 14 2004

Bot: Date about Turkey not Clarified Yet

Dutch Foreign Minister and term president of the European Union (EU)
Bernard Bot determined that the EU has not clarified two issues. The
first is whether to begin negotiations with Turkey and the second
deals with the expression, “open ended.”

Holding a press conference at the end of the EU General Affairs
Council, Bot indicated that he was hopeful about the decisions, which
will be announced on Friday and added that acceptation of the so
called Armenian Genocide by Turkey was not in the Copenhagen
Criteria.

Bot answered reporter’s questions at the end of the press conference.

When asked, “Is the recognition of Cyprus a redline for the EU?” BO
said, “There is no redline in our book.” Bot went on that answering
the conditions by “yes” or “no” is Turkey’s choice.

Bot answered the question of whether the term presidency had a B plan
in case negotiations failed, Bot said: “The presidency has no
obligation to offer such an option” and added that member states are
trying to reach a consensus.

Determining that the adaptation of the Ankara Agreement to the 10 new
member states was significant, and additionally disclosed, “But
recognition of Cyprus is not a part of the issue of opening
negotiations” for a question about recognition of Cyprus.

Bot also revealed that accession agreements with Bulgaria and Romania
would be signed the following May at the latest and added that
negotiations with Croatia may start in April 2005.

Uttering that issues on China and Iran were also dealt with during
the meeting, Bot clarified that they were pleased for a peaceful
solution to the contested presidential elections in Ukraine.