07/09/2001 (Agence Europe) - According to a Turkish press agency, a group of MEPs believes that the status granted by the EU to Turkey of being a "candidate" country for joining the EU should not be extended indefinitely. If negotiations were not opened within five years, Turkey's status would expire and could only be renewed after a unanimous Council vote. The MEPs would be tabling an amendment to this effect for the report by Alain Lamassoure on Turkey's progress in moving toward accession, which will be voted on by the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee on 10 October, and by the EP's plenary session on 24 October.
European Parliament plenary session