EU reaches deal on Turkey talks

BBC News ^ | Monday, 3 October 2005

[A. Pole]

EU foreign ministers have reached a deal clearing the way for accession talks with Turkey to begin, EU officials have said.

Austria had demanded the EU keep open the option of "privileged partnership" for Turkey, as well as full membership.

But officials said after intense negotiations in Luxembourg that Austria had fallen into line.

The new document has been sent to the Turkish government, which is considering whether to accept it.

The BBC's Emma Jane Kirby at the talks in Luxembourg says everyone there is now waiting keenly for Ankara's response.

"The government is studying the text and its decision will be made after a period of close evaluation in Ankara," a Turkish official in Luxembourg said.

Earlier EU foreign ministers put back a ceremony marking the scheduled official opening of Turkey's EU membership talks, due to be held at 1700 (1500 BST), as the Turkish delegation was still waiting in Ankara for news of a breakthrough.

Diplomats from Britain, which holds the rotating EU presidency and has been chairing negotiations, said they still hoped talks could begin on Monday.

Before the breakthrough, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Turkey's ruling AK party he would not compromise on the conditions for starting talks.

"We have protected and are continuing to protect our stance, which is appropriate to Turkey's national interests and political principles," he said, to loud applause.

'Listening to people'



Monday saw Austria put under intense pressure, as it, alone among the EU's 25 members, demanded that the draft framework for entry talks should be rewritten.

The EU's member states must unanimously approve a negotiating mandate before talks can begin.

Austrian Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik said her country was "listening to the people" by questioning full membership for Turkey.

"There are moments when we have to say that such fundamental things are at stake that a compromise is not possible," she warned.

"We will not let anyone intimidate us and we do not feel isolated," she insisted, but after a series of meetings with UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, it appeared she gave way.

'Theological divide'

There is deep popular opposition in Austria and other European countries to Turkey's accession to the EU, with sceptics citing Turkey's size, poverty, and main religion - Islam - as reasons to keep it at a distance.

Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel has said he wants the EU to acknowledge popular concerns over its expansion.

But Mr Straw warned of a "theological-political divide, which could open up even further down the boundary between so-called Christian-heritage states and those of Islamic heritage".

If started, the Turkish negotiations are expected to take about 10 years.

Also on Monday, a meeting to discuss starting entry talks with Croatia was postponed until after the Turkey issue could be settled.

[A. Pole]

Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel has said he wants the EU to acknowledge popular concerns over its expansion.

But Mr Straw warned of a "theological-political divide, which could open up even further down the boundary between so-called Christian-heritage states and those of Islamic heritage".

No boundaries bump!

[Lukasz]

In Poland they have support above 50% according to some polls.

[headsonpikes]

Ivan Skavinsky Skavar is still unafraid of Abdul Abulbul Amir, apparently.

[wayoverontheright]

Europe just officially became EURABIA.

[A. Pole]

In Poland they have support above 50% according to some polls.

It is because in XIX Poles and Turks were on the same side versus Russians. Somehow about 55% of todays Poles think that merging with Turkey will be revenge the perceived wrongs from Russia. Other Europeans with the possible exception of Hungarians do not seem to share this desire.

But no matter, if EUrocrats want EUrabia they will get it, no matter what most of Europeans want.

[Lukasz]

It is because in XIX Poles and Turks were on the same side versus Russians. Somehow about 55% of todays Poles think that merging with Turkey will be revenge the perceived wrongs from Russia. Other Europeans with the possible exception of Hungarians do not seem to share this desire.

Don’t make me laugh. It may be connected with the fact that Turkey never recognized partitions of Poland. But for sure there is nothing directly connected with Russians. You must have some obsession :)

[Paleo Conservative]

So now the EU is talking Turkey?

[dennisw]

Real problem is if Turkey is accepted by the EU, Turks can then immigrate freely to any other EU nation. The welfare systems of the rich nations will enable the Turks to have 8 children at public expense. Multiple wives too in France!

It's a demographic Jihad, baby!

[Diocletian]

Shame on the UK for supporting Turkey.

[Conservomax]

Things are gonna get real ugly in Europe in about 10 years. Real ugly.

The people of those countries will only take so much.

[Turk2]

Turks don't have multiple wives and do not have any desire to follow such a practice. Kurds still practise polygamy especially in the less developed regions of the south east of Turkey.

Noone is expecting the EU to open its doors to every loser in Turkey that can't or won't find a job. Until mininmum wage in Turkey reaches the EU average, this right can be suspended. Anyone with a decent job wouldn't want to go and live anywhere else anyway.

[eleni121]

Muslim Turks do favor multiple wives.

http://www.parapundit.com/archives/002388.html