Brussels, 12/02/2010 (Agence Europe) - The Portuguese MEP Mario David (EPP) has called for Turkey to hold a referendum to ask its citizens whether they wish to continue accession negotiations - and therefore are prepared to be subjected to the rules and values of the EU - or whether they would prefer to enter into a more flexible "privileged partnership" agreement with the Union. Mr David questions was whether the Turks are genuinely prepared to comply with the rules and values of the EU, even though accession remains the priority strategic objective of their government. "Throughout the entire process of accession negotiations (which were launched in 2005: Ed), the Turkish citizens have had the uncomfortable feeling that the EU is imposing its values and rules on them, violating their own traditions and cultural heritage", says the Portuguese MEP in a press release. Additionally, the Turks cannot be certain of the end result of the process, because even if talks were to conclude, accession could still be thrown out in referendums which will certainly be held in various Member States, he argues. Turkey, Mr David continues, "is a great friend and deserves to be treated fairly". "This is why I propose that a referendum be held in Turkey, asking the citizens whether they wish to join the EU and adopt our values and rules, or whether they would prefer to start negotiations for a new, in-depth privileged partnership", he concludes. (H.B./trans.fl)