Schröder: We Are Engaged To Set A Date

German Prime Minister Gerhard Schröder told Hurriyet that they were supporting the idea that Turkey should get a date to commence the accession negotiations at the end of 2004. Schröder, who met Turkish businessmen at a meal on Monday in Berlin, said; We are on the side of Turkey for December 2004. We are engaged to set a date. Turkey can get a date in December 2004 but I cannot predict how much the process after that date will take. Schröder rejected the argument of Vural Oger, a famous businessman in tourism sector, that European countries were still viewing EU as a formation of the Christian world. Schröder said; Not we. Regarding Turkey’s bid for EU, Schröder said; We support it. We are defending Turkey on this way. We engaged ourselves to start accession talks with Turkey by the end of 2004. We are for Turkey and we will continue to support her. Turkey can get a date in December 2004, however I cannot predict how long the subsequent process will take. That process is important as well. Regarding Turkey’s position in her way to EU, Schröder said; We have met (with the businessmen) one year ago as well. Then we discussed the membership perspective. I had said that Turkey should work hard. Now the EU Commission publicized the Progress Report. The Turkish media regarded this report as bad. I do not share that view. In my opinion the report is quite positive. We have given Turkey a new perspective. Turkey has a democratic structure. I believe that this will continue to be an obstacle against Islamic fundamentalism. Conservative sections of Germany approaches Turkey’s possible membership negatively. Nevertheless we support the view that talks should start with Turkey. Similar to many circles, we had questions in our minds regarding the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government. However, Erdogan surprised everyone with his reforms. Tell him, everything is going well. Even I could not predict the developments that Turkey succeeded to accomplish in the last year.As to the Cyprus issue, Schröder said; Besides other conditions that should be fulfilled, the Cyprus issue should be considered. If Cyprus enters EU in 2004 in her present form this will not be good for any party. I believe that Turkey has a plan for a solution. Rightfully she does not want to disclose her card until the very last moment. But in poker, the players should estimate the ideal timeframe to conceal their hands well because trumps may harm the holder in the end. Therefore everyone should act rationally on this issue and a solution should be found. Â