Agence France Presse — English
September 29, 2005 Thursday

Austria’s Schuessel pushes for EU membership talks with Croatia

LONDON

Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel reiterated on Thursday a
desire to see European Union membership talks with Croatia follow
soon after discussions start with Turkey.

Speaking in an interview with Britain’s Financial Times, the Austrian
leader attacked the EU’s “double standards” over Zagreb.

Talks with Croatia have been put on hold because of its failure to
cooperate in the hunt for alleged war criminal General Ante Gotovina.

“If we trust Turkey to make further progress we should trust Croatia
too,” Schuessel told the economic daily.

“It is in Europe’s interest to start negotiations with Croatia
immediately.”

The FT said Austria denied it was linking the cases of Turkey with
Croatia.

At the same time it said European diplomats feel a deal on Turkey
will only be possible if the EU makes progress with beginning talks
with Croatia.

“It is not fair to leave Croatia in an eternal waiting room,” said
the Austrian leader. “I don’t understand the logic.”

EU membership talks with Turkey are due to start on Monday despite
rising political tensions after the European Parliament urged Ankara
to recognise Cyprus and acknowledge that the Ottomans committed
“genocide” against Armenians during World War I.