Monday, January 24, 2005

EUbusiness - Turkey's EU membership bid a model for Islamic world - EU commissioner

"Turkey's EU membership bid a model for Islamic world - EU commissionerDocument Actions 24/01/2005

Turkey's bid to join the European Union is an example for the Islamic world, EU justice commissioner Franco Frattini said here Monday, underscoring the need for the 25-member European bloc to support Muslim forces that want to modernize their institutions. 'Turkey, a secular state home to Muslims who want to join the European Union, will be an example for the Islamic world,' he told a press conference. 'We have the duty to stimulate forces in the Islamic world that want to modernize their institutions, but do not accept a model imposed in a paternalistic way.' Describing Turkey as a 'key country' for Europe, Frattini said Ankara would be required during entry talks to meet European standards, 'notably in the area of human rights, one of the most delicate issues of the negotiation.' "

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