Brussels, 09/10/2002 (Agence Europe) - "Turkey has made more progress since Helsinki than it did in the 15 years hitherto, but we were unable to wait for it to fulfil all the conditions" in such a short time, declared Commissioner Günter Verheugen, when explaining that the European Commission was unable to propose a date for beginning negotiations for access. "This is not a criticism, what they have achieved is impressive, they must be encouraged, the door remains open", he added, in an attempt to forestall the virulent criticism that would soon be emanating from Ankara. The Turkish government warned that if the European Council did not offer it a perspective for beginning negotiations this year, an unprecedented crisis would begin. The European Commission explains that it wants to strengthen European support for Turkey. It is going to propose, "at the beginning of next year, a strengthened strategy with additional financial means", announced the President of the Commission, Romano Prodi. During the debate at the European Parliament, speakers from the political groups supported the Commission's approach. In its report, the Commission notes the ongoing reforms and stresses the positive aspects but indicates that, "nevertheless, the impact of the reforms is still limited and there are still few clear signs of their interpretation and implementation." The Commission is notably critical of the fact that the situation for political prisoners, who expressed their opinions peacefully, has not been dealt with. It has sharply criticised the way the Security Courts work. The economic criteria has been "partially achieved". The Commission emphasises that the reforms in line with the recommendations of the IMF are being continued but regrets the lack of progress in privatisation.