Turkey given EU accession talks date
Turkey has been offered the date of October 3rd 2005 for accession talks on joining the European Union.
The announcement was made as 25 European leaders gathered for dinner at summit talks in Brussels.
The decision will please Britain as it has been at the forefront of those European countries pushing Turkey’s case.
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has previously said that he believes the membership of a predominantly Muslim state would strike a blow against Islamic fundamentalism and prove that the EU is a secular organisation.
If Turkey decides to accept the offer, the talks would begin during Britain’s presidency of the EU. Baring a general election upset, Tony Blair would then head the talks.
Talks are to resume today.
However, there are still problems. The deal would require Turkey to officially recognise the sovereignty of Cyprus.
Other countries are also concerned that Turkey is too poor to become a member and that their economies could be flooded by migrant workers. France and Germany in particular are pushing for provisions that could allow them to close their borders to Turkish workers if it became a problem.
There are also concerns about Turkey’s human rights record.
Speaking this morning, the Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman, Sir Menzies Campbell, said: “This is an historic moment which would mark a major advance in the role in the European Union.
“In order to meet the necessary criteria for membership Turkey has a great deal to do, but with commitment and will on both sides a successful outcome can be achieved.”
