Brussels, 12/10/2011 (Agence Europe) - Accession negotiations with Turkey have “regrettably” not moved forward in new chapters for more than a year, regretted the European Commission on Wednesday 12 October. Turkey continues to be an important country but talks have not moved forward in a year, said Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Füle. “There are frustrations on both sides. I believe it is time to work for a renewed positive agenda in EU-Turkey relations”, he went on. This new agenda must bring more constructive relations and allow the two to “build together on our common interests”.
The areas of deadlock are largely political. No progress has been made in normalising relations with the Republic of Cyprus, the Commission says. Füle said that efforts must now be focused on resolving that conflict, and he called on the two sides to show restraint and to concentrate on the negotiations. Efforts are also needed to ensure fundamental rights in several areas, the Commission notes. (CG/transl.rt)