"More challenges in store for Turkey on bumpy EU road 13/12/2004
Although it is now closer than ever to the European Union, observers say Turkey still faces mammoth challenges such as an uneven enforcement of democracy reforms, a fragile economy and the thorny conflict with Cyprus which keep its membership bid shrouded in uncertainty. EU leaders are widely expected to decide to open accession talks with Turkey at their December 16-17 summit in Brussels, launching a process likely to take at least a decade and test Ankara's resolve without guaranteeing the ultimate prize of membership. The immediate task for Turkey is to prove that the democracy reforms it steamrolled through parliament in just two years are not mere pieces of paper but a true commitment to EU norms, embraced and observed by all. "
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