Parliament ignoring bigger picture on Turkey's accession to the EU

1.16.01pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 27th Sep 2006

Commenting on today's vote in the European Parliament on the conditions which Turkey must meet if it is to be granted Member Status in the European Union, Andrew Duff MEP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Turkey, said:

"The European Parliament has taken two steps forwards and one step back in its approach towards the controversial issue of Turkish EU membership.

"It is good news that MEPs have dropped their demand that Turkey recognises Ottoman 'genocide' against the Armenians as a precondition of accession. This was always a pedantic clause designed by those who do not want to see Turkey granted Member Status.

"And the Parliament is right to maintain its overall support for the modernisation of Turkey along European lines.

"It is a pity, however, that we have missed our chance to add value to the search for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem. The EU still needs to fulfil its commitment to ending the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community.

"Many MEPs are ignorant of the geo-political importance of embracing Turkey fully within the European family. Despite its many current difficulties, Turkey should be encouraged to continue developing a European brand of Islam which will help to unite East and West. And without Turkey the European Union will hardly succeed in building a serious common foreign, security and defence policy.

"Turkey must now strengthen its efforts to adapt to EU standards, especially with respect to freedom of expression."

ENDS