Barroso Expresses Belief That A Decision Will Be Made To Start Full
Membership Negotiations With Turkey

Anadolu Agency
Dec 17 2004

BRUSSELS (AA) – European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso on
Thursday expressed belief that EU heads of state and government would
make a decision to start full membership negotiations with Turkey.
Barroso told a press conference prior to EU summit that a
historic decision would be made for Turkey, and noted that Turkey was
a very different country with its geographical position, position as
bridge, economic power, and potential. Barroso said Turkey’s
accession would be good for the EU.
Barroso said a balanced attitude was pursued against Turkey,
noting that they were aware of the problems, but at the same time the
steps Turkey made were also taken into consideration. He said, ”time
came to start negotiations” and stressed that the target would be
full membership in negotiations.
Mentioning the concerns in several member countries and public
opinions about Turkey’s accession to the EU, Barroso called on Turkey
to take more steps toward Europe.
Barroso said Greek Cypriots would also be at the table,
”however,” he noted Turkey did not recognize the Greek Cypriot
administration.
Replying to a question about Cyprus issue, Barroso said no new
political conditions would be imposed on Turkey, noting that Turkey
needed to ”win the hearts” of the EU public opinion. He said this
can not take place through complicated negotiations, but through good
will gestures.
Barroso said Turkey would be in a position to recognize all the
member countries when it becomes the EU full member.
Replying to a question about permanent derogations proposed for
Turkey, Barroso said he thought this problem would be solved in the
summit and that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan
sensitively focused on this issue.
Barroso said the European Commission brought this proposal about
free movement of Turkish workers, yet that any discrimination or
special status was not in question. He said there was much concern
about this issue in some member countries, noting that permanent
derogations were implemented on some member countries.
Barroso said European Commission said the issue of derogations
against Turkey should not be comprehensive.
Focusing on the concerns of the EU public opinion often, Barroso
said Turkey would be in a position to struggle much to convince the
public.
Replying to a question about so-called genocide on Armenians,
Barroso said bringing new political conditions in front of Turkey at
the last minute was out of question.