Brussels, 13/03/2000 (Agence Europe) - Enlargement Commissioner Günter Verheugen said during his two-day visit to Ankara (last Thursday and Friday), that he was pleased with progress accomplished by Turkey at the level of economic reforms, but encouraged the government to intensify the political reforms indispensable for fulfilling the Copenhagen criteria with a view to the country's EU membership. "We need Turkey as a reliable partner in foreign and security policy. We want Turkey to be a stable democracy, respecting the rule of law and human rights. Our interest is that Turkey plays a constructive role in our common efforts to contribute to peace and stability in the region", said Mr Verheugen after his talks with Prime Minister Ecevit, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and several other ministers.
As far as the economy is concerned, Mr Verheugen feels Turkey could make rapid progress given that the government has defined a "clear strategy" on structural reforms, a strategy which is also supported by the IMF and the World Bank. Mr Verheugen recalled that every applicant country must, before being able to join the EU, prove that it has a working market economy, that it can face up to competitive pressure on its internal market and that it applies all the Community body of law.
As far as political reforms are concerned, Mr Verheugen said he expected "a clear commitment [on the part of the Turkish authorities] to continue the process which was successfully launched and to proceed now on issues like the revised penal code, the new civil code, and enhanced independence of judiciary". "We also attach great importance to the fact that issues like freedom of expression and freedom of association are addressed", stressed the Commissioner. Concerning the Kurdish minority, Mr Verheugen urged for a "comprehensive approach" concerning the country's south-eastern region, in order to promote the economic development of the region, equal rights for all in public life and respect of the Kurdish culture and language. "This simply means that existing prohibitions should be removed to protect individual rights", was Mr Verheugen's view.
Mr Verheugen also gave a favourable welcome to the "visible improvement" in relations between Turkey and Greece, stating, "I sincerely hope that this has created a solid basis for further positive developments". He announced, moreover, that the next EU/Turkey Association Council, on 11 April, should set in place the bodies required for beginning "screening" of the Turkish legislation in the near future. The Commission also intends to adopt, by the end of the year, an Accession Partnership (EP) for Turkey, as they exist for the twelve other applicant countries.
Furthermore, Mr Verheugen welcomed the signing, by Turkey, of the framework agreement on INOGATE (Interstate Oil and Gas Transport to Europe), a technical assistance programme launched by the EU, which aims at promoting the integration and interconnection of oil and gas pipeline networks between Central Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkans and the EU.