Genocide Recognition Should Become Precondition for Turkey’s Accession to EU
10.07.2006 16:01
YEREVAN (YERKIR) – Leading political European Parliament factions stand
for the introduction of the Armenian Genocide recognition issue into
the agenda of the EU-Turkey talks. The parliamentarians urge Brussels
to set acknowledgement the Armenian Genocide by Turkey and lifting of
the blockade of Armenia as a precondition for Turkey’s EU membership.
Finland, which accepted the EU presidency for the next 6 months,
threatened to break off the talks with Turkey. "The dialogue with
Turkey can be stopped any moment if Ankara fails to meet commitments
to the European Union," Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen said.
Turkey doesn’t recognize the sovereignty of Cyprus, which joined
the EU in May 2004 and doesn’t receive planes and ships from this
state. July 12 the European Parliament committee on foreign affairs
will consider Turkey’s progress. Besides, the Turkey is urged settle
the Kurdish issue and secure the rights of national minorities.
In October 2005 the EU Foreign Minister gave ok to Turkey’s EU
membership talks. However they specified that the process will not
be automatic and can be stopped any time. The European Parliament
urges Turkey to recognize the Armenian Genocide, reported RIA Novosti.