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Chirac backs EU membership for Turkey -
French President Jacques Chirac said that he backs EU membership for Turkey if it meets all necessary requirements for joining the union. During an interview with a French TV channel on Wednesday, Chirac said; "The question that has to be asked is: "Does Europe, and particularly France, have an interest in Turkey joining it?"My answer is yes, but.. Yes, if Turkey fulfills all the conditions imposed on any candidate to join our Union," He also noted that the requirements Turkey had to meet were a commitment to peace and stability, democracy and economic and social development. Chirac's comments came on the eve of an EU summit to decide when accession talks can start. The French leader also said that any of the 25 EU members can veto Turkish membership and that France reserved "the last word". If admitted, Turkey will be the largest country in the union and the first nation with a majority Muslim population. Also, if its application is accepted, the EU's border would extend deep into the Middle East. However, the membership talks are expected to be protracted and might last for 15 years. Posted by: Fred 2004-12-16 |
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