Schroeder urges Turkey on reforms before EU talks
German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder today urged Turkey to press forward with steps aimed at membership talks with the European Union, but expressed confidence the talks will proceed as scheduled on October 3.
Schroeder spoke to reporters in the Turkish capital, Ankara, following a joint news conference with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Schroeder urged Turkey to take steps required before the talks can begin - including signing a customs agreement that will mean de facto recognition of Cyprus’ Greek Cypriot government.
EU officials recently have expressed concern about a slowdown in the pace of Turkish reforms since the bloc agreed in December to start the membership talks with Turkey.
“What’s important is that the prime minister’s government make clear that ‘We are not hesitating’ and that ‘We will continue decisively on this path”’, Schroeder said.
“For the talks to begin a few things are necessary. The reforms must be realised and the Ankara protocol must be signed,” he said.
“I have good hope it will work out.”
