By Gemma Lougheed - 8th September 2005
Europe must open entry talks with Turkey must join despite Ankara’s refusal to recognize Cyprus, the British EU presidency has insisted.
UK foreign minister Jack Straw expressed his deep hope that talks on Turkish EU membership would begin as planned on October 3.
“Acknowledging that Turkey… raises genuine concerns - which we, as presidency, are working hard to address - does not mean that we should delay the start of Turkey's historic accession negotiations,” said Straw.
“By welcoming Turkey we will demonstrate that Western and Islamic cultures can thrive together as partners in the modern world; the alternative is too terrible to contemplate.”
“It will prove that a secular democracy which shows respect for Islam can live comfortably in Europe.”
The UK is a supporter of Turkey joining the EU but many in countries such as France, Germany and Austria are more sceptical.
The British EU presidency, is trying to ensure that existing commitments made to Turkey are respected.
Turkey’s human rights record has repeatedly been called into question and Straw admitted that there is “still some way to go”.
“We all have an interest in the modernisation of Turkey and of reform there," said Straw.
“If we make the wrong decision, we could find that we have a crisis on our own doorstep.”
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