22/09/2004 (Agence Europe) - In an interview which appeared in Le Monde of 21 September (our translation throughout), the president designate of the European Commission, José Manuel Durao Barroso, replied to the question of whether Turkey fulfilled the criteria for accession by admitting: "no, not yet, we acknowledge that it has made enormous progress, but at this moment in time, all the criteria have not been fulfilled". Are you personally in favour of their accession? he was asked. "Yes, I have already said so as Prime Minister of Portugal", he replied, whilst repeating that all criteria must be respected. He continued: "What is at issue is the opening of negotiations. It is Turkey which has to adapt to Europe's rules, it is not up to Europe to adapt to Turkey's rules. This is not interference. There is a country which has asked to join. It must accept the conditions that go with this". On the risk that Turkish accession could reduce the EU to nothing more than a free-trade area, Mr Barroso replied: "Our Europe functions on the principle of solidarity. It is inconceivable that we could change its nature, its very essence, due to one country. I acknowledge the fact that Turkey's accession will bring us new challenges, but this will be because of its size rather than any religious issues. This should not be a problem at all, if the aspects of democratic order are strictly adhered to, including on the penal code. On this point, no concessions are possible. If Turkey responds positively to the criteria we have laid down, I do not see how we could say no to them".