Blair: Turkey deal sends important signal to the world
The decision to start talks on Turkey’s membership of the European Union will send a message to the world that Muslim and secular states can work with each other, Prime Minister Tony Blair said today.
Speaking in a press conference in Brussels, Mr Blair said it was “an immensely significant day for Europe”.
He admitted there were a number of “issues” to be resolved even before talks begin on October 3, 2005, but said that Turkey’s indication they were willing to sign the Ankara agreement was important.
That agreement acknowledges that Cyprus has joined the European Union, but falls short – as Mr Blair admitted – of the full and formal recognition of Cyprus as a sovereign nation that will eventually be needed.
Assuming that Turkey does recognise Cyprus as required, talks will then begin under the UK’s presidency of the EU. Talks which, barring a general election upset, Mr Blair is expected to lead.
The Prime Minister said the decision to start talks was characterised by a feeling of “people wanting to work together and come together”.
He added: “Even though this is obviously over a significant timeframe, this is very important and I think it’s a good day for Europe, for Turkey and for the wider world.”
Mr Blair suggested that it would be “at least a decade before this membership comes about”.
He admitted ‘concerns’ existed over religious issues, but insisted: “The important thing is that we’re stating as a fundamental principle the fact that [just because] Turkey is a Muslim country does not mean it should be barred from the European Union.
“That is a very, very important signal right across the world.”
The decision would increase security and prosperity in Europe and the wider world, he added.
The Prime Minister also stressed that Turkey would be treated the same as the previous accession countries and that the “Copenhagen criteria will apply”.
