Brussels, 18/12/2013 (Agence Europe) - Welcoming the opening of the chapter on regional policy, the ministers of the EU on 17 December called for the “re-gained impetus to be maintained” in the accession negotiations, “in the interests of both sides”. In their conclusions, they stress that, without progress in the non-discriminatory and full implementation of the additional protocol, the measures of the Council of 2006 blocking the opening of eight negotiation chapters will be kept in place. The Council once again calls on Turkey to avoid any form of threats and direct action against any member state, or actions which could endanger the good neighbourhood relations in the peaceful settlement of disputes. It regrets that Ankara has not made the necessary progress in the normalisation of its relations with Cyprus.
Welcoming the progress made in the reforms, the Council points out that “further sustained efforts will be necessary, particularly on improving the respect for fundamental rights and freedoms”. The Council welcomes the signature of the readmission agreement on the launch of dialogue on visa liberalisation.
The Council stresses the importance of developing dialogue and cooperation on foreign policy issues of common interest and welcomes the intensification of regular political dialogue between the EU and Turkey. (CG/transl.fl)