"Turkey report is clear and informed"

1.01.32pm GMT Wed 8th Nov 2006

Today the European Commission published its progress report on progress in negotiations with candidate countries, including Turkey. Andrew Duff (UK, Liberal Democrat) and Vice-chairman of the EU-Turkey joint parliamentary committee commented:

'The Commission has produced a fair and informed report on the progress of Turkey's accession negotiations. Ollie Rehn is to be congratulated.

'Both parties to the membership process must learn to pace themselves better in their joint endeavour. Not everything can be done in a hurry. Constitutional reforms have to be pursued with greater dedication not only in Turkey but also in the Union.

'As far as Cyprus is concerned, of course Turkey must fulfil its customs obligations. But the Greek Cypriots must also show themselves willing to share power with their fellow islanders according to UN and EU policy.

'Nobody must lose sight of the long-term strategic importance of encouraging Turkey towards eventual membership of the EU. It would be the greatest folly for the accession process to be suspended at this moment.'