Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2005-09-28-Speech-3-074"
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"en.20050928.3.3-074"2
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".
Mr President, I thank you for this opportunity to address Parliament in response to what has been both a timely and an emotive debate. I would like to shall begin, however, by echoing the earlier remarks made by Commissioner Rehn in welcoming to Parliament the Bulgarian and Romanian observers.
Specifically in relation to the reforms that have already been undertaken, but also, more significantly, continue to need to be taken, I have noted very carefully the concerns expressed here this morning, whether in relation to the position of minorities, to the freedom of religion and expression or, indeed, more broadly on the issue of human rights.
Commissioner Rehn has already commented on the specific issue of the case of Orhan Pamuk, the distinguished Turkish writer. I would, however, respectfully remind Parliament that the draft negotiating framework, and the overall reform process set out by the Commission, are designed to address exactly those concerns. Indeed, that is one of the reasons why both the Commission and the Council has been so keen to take forward the process of negotiation to ensure further progress in relation to the reforms. It is also worth reflecting at this point in our debate on the words of Mrs Bonino, who made clear that the European Union process has already achieved a huge amount within Turkey, notwithstanding the fact that there is much further progress to be made.
One question left hanging in the air somewhat in some of the contributions has been to ask what the ultimate goal of the discussions and the process being taken forward is. Again, the starting point in responding to that question is to recall the conclusions of the December Council of 17 December 2004. Let me quote directly from the conclusions: 'the shared goal of the negotiations is accession'. However, the statement also went on to say that 'these negotiations are an open-ended process, the outcome of which cannot be guaranteed beforehand'. So let us be very clear that the shared goal of negotiations was full accession, but, equally, the conditionality inherent in that statement was very clear.
I have also taken note today of the concerns that have been expressed over the absorption capacity of the Union. Indeed, this is reflected in the Commission's draft negotiating framework.
Some speakers referred to the need for a settlement in Cyprus and this is, of course, an important and sensitive issue. However, I welcome the Parliament's recognition of the importance of widespread support being garnered for the UN process, and again that is reflected in the Council's earlier declaration.
The final point I want to touch on is the issue of the Constitution. Many have talked about it in relation to Turkish accession. I would, however, respectfully remind Parliament that there will be further opportunities for discussion on the European draft Constitutional Treaty. Indeed, the June decision of the European Council was to have a further rendezvous and revisit this issue in spring 2006. That does not remove the obligation on the Council or the Commission to continue to make progress on a range of areas concerning Europe's future in the meantime. That is what we intend to do. I value the contributions made in relation to our thinking about Turkish accession and particularly value the opportunity to have heard the views of MEPs at this particular stage, given the imminence of the decision and the process now being taken forward.
I welcome also the timeliness of this debate and the genuine efforts of Mr Brok and other Members of this Parliament to ensure a broad base of support, so that the voice of the European Parliament is genuinely heard before 3 October.
I should also like to thank Commissioner Rehn for his contribution to the earlier discussions. The terms and substance of his contributions evidence the extent to which a common approach is being taken by the Presidency and by the Commission on the important issues facing us.
I pay tribute to Mr Brok and his predecessor as rapporteur, and indeed to the leaders of all the political groupings we have heard from today, in setting out their views so clearly. I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the work of other Members of the European Parliament, for example Mrs Pack's work in relation to women's rights in Turkey, which I think has been evidenced by both the experience and the expertise brought to our discussions and deliberations this morning.
I ask Parliament's forgiveness for not seeking to respond to every specific point that has been raised during the course of what has been a long but nonetheless illuminating debate. Instead, let me try to address the main themes that were picked up on by a number of different speakers.
I shall start with the general point alluded to by Mr Wurtz, which was that the Presidency is steering the Council to fulfil the mandate of the December European Council's conclusions, which were then indeed reaffirmed by the June Council. The decision essentially to open negotiations with Turkey on 3 October has therefore already been taken. Our job as the Presidency is to ensure that the conditions are met and that the framework for doing so is agreed.
In this context let me touch on the issue of Croatia, which was alluded to by Mr Brok, Mr Poettering and indeed by Mr Schulz. Turkey and Croatia are of course separate issues. Conditions have been set out for both and the Council will make decisions independently on the basis of an assessment of those objective criteria. I am pleased, however, that in the case of both countries it is clear already that the anticipation of making further progress in relation to both countries' desire to be part of the European family has brought significant progress, as was recognised explicitly by Mr Duff in his contribution this morning.
I shall also address some of the specific questions that were raised. Concerns were raised about Turkey's statement prior to 3 October. It is important to recognise specifically that concerns were raised in relation to the recognition of Cyprus and the implementation of the AAP. The Council's position on both of these matters is clear, and indeed was set out in the declaration which I quoted in my introductory remarks.
I will let Commissioner Rehn reply to the specific points relating to your letter to him, but the Council's position on the need for full implementation, including the statement, has already been made clear. Indeed, the need for monitoring is also set out."@en1
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