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EP Leaders Deliver Opinion: Let Negotiations Begin without Delay
Zaman, Turkey
Dec 16 2004
The European Parliament (EP) has advised European Union (EU) leaders,
who meet today at the EU summit, to begin full membership negotiations
with Turkey immediately.
The Parliament refused to insist on recognition of the so-called
Armenian genocide allegations and rejected proposals of privileged
partnership. The proposal decision was passed by 407 votes against
262 in the vote held yesterday. The report was prepared by Dutch
Christian parliamentarian Camiel Eurlings and the decision, though it
has no binding quality, has importance as it reflects the view of EP
before the summit which will have historic importance for Turkey. In
the general vote it was observed that Socialist, Liberal and Green
parliamentarians and British, Spanish and Italian parliamentarians
of the Christian Democrat group voted in favor of Turkey. In the
decision Turkey was praised for its reforms and it was noted that
the negotiations were the turning point of a long process, though it
did not mean that the process was open ended and would end in full
membership. The following articles are included in the report and
recommendation decision approved by the EP:
Full membership depends on the mutual efforts of Turkey and the EU.
The EU Commission can suspend the negotiations when it is necessary.
The process of negotiation will be long. Free movement and restrictions
on agriculture should not affect negatively Turkey's efforts for
membership.
Six official changes in the Progress Report of EU Commission should
be approved.
Full membership negotiations cannot be completed before the targets
envisaged for the 2014 EU budget.
Turkey must solve its problems with its neighbors according to the
convention of United Nations (UN).
There must not be restrictions in the activities of minorities in
Turkey. In terms of this, the Heybeliada Seminary must be opened.
Alevism must be recognized and protected. Cem houses must be recognized
as religious centers. Religious education must be voluntary. Protective
system in South Eastern must be abolished.
Turkey must open its Armenian border. Both governments must support
a mutual peace process. Talking after the vote, Camiel Eurlings said
that after the start of negotiations, the application of political
criteria should have priority.
Zaman, Turkey
Dec 16 2004
The European Parliament (EP) has advised European Union (EU) leaders,
who meet today at the EU summit, to begin full membership negotiations
with Turkey immediately.
The Parliament refused to insist on recognition of the so-called
Armenian genocide allegations and rejected proposals of privileged
partnership. The proposal decision was passed by 407 votes against
262 in the vote held yesterday. The report was prepared by Dutch
Christian parliamentarian Camiel Eurlings and the decision, though it
has no binding quality, has importance as it reflects the view of EP
before the summit which will have historic importance for Turkey. In
the general vote it was observed that Socialist, Liberal and Green
parliamentarians and British, Spanish and Italian parliamentarians
of the Christian Democrat group voted in favor of Turkey. In the
decision Turkey was praised for its reforms and it was noted that
the negotiations were the turning point of a long process, though it
did not mean that the process was open ended and would end in full
membership. The following articles are included in the report and
recommendation decision approved by the EP:
Full membership depends on the mutual efforts of Turkey and the EU.
The EU Commission can suspend the negotiations when it is necessary.
The process of negotiation will be long. Free movement and restrictions
on agriculture should not affect negatively Turkey's efforts for
membership.
Six official changes in the Progress Report of EU Commission should
be approved.
Full membership negotiations cannot be completed before the targets
envisaged for the 2014 EU budget.
Turkey must solve its problems with its neighbors according to the
convention of United Nations (UN).
There must not be restrictions in the activities of minorities in
Turkey. In terms of this, the Heybeliada Seminary must be opened.
Alevism must be recognized and protected. Cem houses must be recognized
as religious centers. Religious education must be voluntary. Protective
system in South Eastern must be abolished.
Turkey must open its Armenian border. Both governments must support
a mutual peace process. Talking after the vote, Camiel Eurlings said
that after the start of negotiations, the application of political
criteria should have priority.