Pravda, Russia
Sept 30 2005

Armenian church leader in Turkey urged EU to support Turkish EU bid

The leader of the Armenian church in Turkey urged European leaders to
support Turkey’s bid to join the European Union, saying postponing
Turkish membership would harm regional stability.

Pressure to delay Turkish membership “will be a blow not only to
Turkey and Europe but to reconciliation between East and West,”
Mesrob II wrote in a letter to the 25 EU foreign ministers, who will
hold an emergency meeting Sunday aimed at overcoming Austrian
objections to starting entry talks with Turkey.

Vienna insists that Turkey be offered the option of a lesser
partnership rather than full membership in negotiations. All 25 EU
nations have to agree on a negotiating mandate before talks can begin
with Ankara as scheduled on Monday, reports the AP.
I.L.