USINFO.STATE.GOV
06 February 2005

Turkey is Strong Partner in Broader Middle East Reform, Rice Says

Secretary of state discusses Iraq, Mideast, Turkey, NATO, EU in
interview Following is Secretary Rice’s interview February 6 in Ankara,
Turkey, with Metehan Demir of Turkey’s Kanal-D TV:

QUESTION: One short question and the last one. What should be done
for solving the dispute between Turkey and Armenia? Does the U.S. plan
any special initiative this year to solve this problem?

SECRETARY STATE: Well, we would certainly hope that Turkey and Armenia
would find a way to bridge the differences. We know the very difficult
history here. And we recognize the difficult history. But we are a long
time now into the future. And on the basis of democratic development
and the economic development and the need for stability, we would hope
and encourage the parties to find ways to bridge their differences.

QUESTION: How long will it take for Turkey to become a full member
of the European Union? In your opinion.

SECRETARY RICE: Well, unfortunately we are not members of the European
Union So we can’t say. We’ve been supporters of Turkey’s accession
and of that happening as quickly as possible. Obviously, there are
standards that Turkey needs to meet. And the European Union is well
within its rights to say that there are certain things that need to
be done in order to bring about Turkey’s accession. But I think we’ve
been a supportive as anyone for that accession to take place. And
given that we are not a member, it really is up to Turkey and the
European Union to find a way for it — with Turkey doing what it
needs to do and with Europe being welcoming of a Turkey that really
does have a rightful place in the world.

QUESTION: Secretary Rice, thank you very much for being with us. It
was a nice opportunity. Many thanks and enjoy your trip.

SECRETARY RICE: Thank you.

Released on February 6, 2005

(end transcript)

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