Brussels, 16/05/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 15 May, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle stressed the importance of fresh momentum in the accession negotiations with Turkey, during his meeting with the leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP), Kemal Kiliçdaroglu.
“We agreed on the need for the accession negotiations to gain further momentum. Turkey needs to sustain its efforts to meet benchmarks for opening negotiating chapters”, Füle stated. Chapter 22 on regional policy could be opened at the European Council in June (see EUROPE 10785). Turkey is also optimistic about the opening of Chapter 19 on social policy (see EUROPE 10825).
Füle said that the positive momentum in relations between the EU and Turkey offers a chance for progress in the negotiations. He stated that the accession process is inclusive and requires the participation of all the actors concerned.
While the EU remains the reference for reforms in Turkey, Füle added that Ankara should “press ahead with the engaged political reforms”, and that the reforms should be continued. On his side, Kiliçdaroglu shared his concern about the respect of fundamental rights.
Cooperation with the ombudsman. On 16 May, Füle also met the ombudsman, Nihat Ömeroglu, and reiterated his support for Ömeroglu in this very important post. “We believe that an independent and active ombudsman is crucial for strengthening the confidence of Turkish citizens in the functioning of the administration and the rule of law in the country”, Füle stated. Ömeroglu stressed the importance of cooperation between his office and the European institutions. He also said that his country had made many reforms, particularly in chapters 23 (judicial apparatus and fundamental rights) and 24 (justice, freedom and security). In his opinion, Ankara's progress shows Turkey's “sincerity” in its desire to join the European Union. (CG/transl.fl)