"MY NOTEBOOK: 'Special conditions' for Turkey's EU membership
Hardev Kaur
Feb 11:
WINTER storms in Turkey have kept many indoors but it has only helped to intensify discussions on the country�s future and the visit by newly appointed US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
Over cups of hot tea in tulip-shaped tea cups the discussions invariably turn to the situation in Iraq, its impact on Turkey and the region as well as Ankara�s membership of the European Union.
More conditions or, as some in Ankara say, 'special conditions' have been set for Turkey�s accession. But that has not put a damper on Turkish expectations of joining the EU.
There is a sense of anticipation that Ankara will eventually be admitted as a member. But for the moment it has to sit out and work on the conditions set out. And this despite the fact that it has been an associate member since 1963."
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