Hurriyetim, Turkey

11:30 CET, 29.09.2005

Lift off hour for October 3 plane hangs in the balance; Ankara awaits word
from Brussels

Last minute changes to the EU accession talks Framework Document may
be responsible for Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul and his delegation
deciding to stay in Ankara rather than leave for Luxembourg for the
start of the October 3 meetings. The private plane meant to lift off
on October 2 for Luxembourg will wait instead on the runway at
Ankara’s Esenboga Airport for word coming out of Brussels. According
to sources at the Foreign Ministry in Ankara, “If the Turkish
delegation interprets the document ‘positively,’ the plane will take
off. But if the document is laden with requirements to the detriment
of Turkey, the motors will not be started.”

Currently, EU member Austria is reportedly making great efforts to
have the “privileged partner” status included in the Framework
Document as a formula for membership alternative. Foreign Ministry
spokeperson Namik Tan has signalled that entrance of the “privileged
partner” option, or the requirement that Turkey immediately open its
air and sea ports to southern Cyprus into the document’s body will
mean that the delegation will not be attending the October 3 talks.
Tan echoed a call from the Foreign Ministry for full explanation and
revelation of the inner workings of the Framework Document from the EU
in advance of the Turkish delegation’s acceptance and pursuit of the
upcoming talks.

Tan also confirmed a telephone call between FM Gul and his British
counterpart Jack Straw, affirming that the Turkish FM had warned Straw
that the Turkish delegation would not be attending talks in Luxembourg
if the EU continued to pile on what are perceived in Ankara to be last
minute and unfair requirements for Turkey.