German DDP news agency, Germany
Oct 12 2005

Turkey “irrevocably” on way to EU – outgoing German chancellor

Istanbul: Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder (SPD [Social Democratic
Party]) sees Turkey as being irrevocably on its way into the EU. The
goal of the accession negotiations opened on 3 October can only be
the country’s membership in the European Union and “nothing else”
said Schroeder on Wednesday [ 12 October] in Istanbul according to
the text of his speech at the breaking of the fast together with
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The chancellor described
the start of membership negotiations as a historic event. Regardless
of the differing opinions of the Union [CDU/CSU (Christian Democratic
Union/Christian Social Union)] and the SPD on the Turkish issue,
Schroeder, according to the text of the speech distributed
beforehand, emphasized: “When we close this chapter, it will no
longer be called Turkey and the European Union but Turkey in the
European Union.”

Until then, however, the road is still a long and laborious one. “But
this effort is worth it, because it makes a common future possible,”
said Schroeder and added: “And our future can only be a common one,
with a strong Turkey in a strong European Union.”

Schroeder praised the radical path of reform which Turkey has entered
onto under his “friend” Erdogan. The chancellor expressly
acknowledged that Erdogan is making efforts to normalize relations
with Armenia.

Europe and Turkey now have the important task ahead of them to show
that despite such disagreements “a cooperation has developed and can
continue to develop.” It is important to eliminate mutual
reservations and doubts. In this context Schroeder referred to the
fact that many Turks live in Western Europe; there are 2.5 million in
Germany alone.

Erdogan had invited Schroeder as the first Western head of government
to break the traditional fast with him early in the evening. During
Ramadan devout Muslims are not allowed to have any food from sunup to
sundown. The daily breaking of the fast – called Iftar – is a festive
meal, which is often eaten with the immediate family or with close
friends. Schroeder said he was aware of this honour. Late in the
evening he intended to meet with Erdogan for political discussions.
The chancellor is expected back in Germany on Thursday.