Commission applies brakes to Turkish accession talks in order to avoid a ' train crash'

1.48.14pm GMT Wed 29th Nov 2006

The European Commission today recommended suspension of negotiations with Turkey on eight chapters of the accession package.

Andrew DUFF, Vice-President of the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee, considered that the list of eight chapters should not be extended if the negotiation process is to be kept on track.

"The Council must act in good faith and not seek to over-dramatise the problems in EU-Turkey relations. There is no 'train crash', because the brakes have been firmly applied. Both sides must learn to pace the membership process better in the future. Both Turkey and the EU need more time if they are to advance this process successfully."

"Suspension of the eight chapters now means that there should be renewed determination to make progress on the remaining 25."

"As far as Cyprus is concerned, it is clear that there can be little real progress until after the Turkish and Cypriot elections in 2007-08. At that stage, one hopes that there will be not only a Turkish government strong enough to implement the Ankara Protocol in full, but also a Greek Cypriot government prepared to enter into a genuine power-sharing agreement with the Turkish Cypriots. "

"In the meanwhile, the Council must implement its 2004 decision to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community. This means quick progress on aid and trade facilitation."

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