Turkish delegation reax after EU announcement

(13 Dec 2002)

1. Various of police and security at the Bella Centre, site of the EU conference
2. Various of of peaceful anti-EU demonstration approaching the centre
3. Line of police vehicles barring demonstrators route
4. Departure of Turkish delegates from Hilton hotel
5. Wide shot of Turkish news conference
6. SOUNDBITE: (English) Turkish Prime Minister, Abdullah Gul:
"Well this is not a surprise to me, definitely in democratic countries there are different opinions and different political movements, so one of them is that. Some politicians they think that Europe is a Christian club, but some of them are opposing this, so at least this summit showed that this opinion is not correct because Turkey is a Muslim country and they accepted to start the negotiation process, but the date and time is not as we wish.
7. Cutaway to media
8. SOUNDBITE: (English) Turkish Prime Minister, Abdullah Gul:
"If Turkey does join then it will prove that a Muslim country can be democratic, transparent and comfortable with the modern world. This will enrich the European Union and this will give chance to the European Union to play very strategic role in the world affairs so I think the European leaders are not ignoring us.
8. Wide shot end briefing

STORYLINE:

In a move packed with symbolism, the EU leaders firmed up an offer to Turkey on Friday so it can become the first Muslim nation to open European Union membership talks if it meets certain criteria in a December 2004 review.

Wording stating Turkey can enter "without delay" after that date was introduced late in the summit after lobbying by British Prime Minister, Tony Blair.

It appeased Turkish anger, which erupted after the summit stopped short of its demand of entry talks in 2003.

Turkish Prime Minister Abdullah Gul at first denounced the EU for "prejudice against us." Hours later he proclaimed "we have gotten a date a little further that we expected (but) we will continue on the road to the European Union."

The summit started badly, with Turkey reacting angrily after EU leaders, at the opening dinner Thursday night, refused to set a firm date to begin talks on bringing the Muslim nation into their club.

Turkish officials, who had toured European capitals and enlisted US President George W. Bush's help in support of Turkey's bid to open negotiations in 2003, accused EU leaders of bias.

The EU's reaching out to Turkey was sure to please Washington, which has long pressed the EU to reach out to Turkey and anchor it in the world of western democracies. Bush personally called EU capitals to lobby on Turkey's behalf this week.

Europeans also bristled at what many saw as US interference in their affairs, with an underlying suspicion Bush's interest was due to a desire to please a vital NATO ally as tensions mount over Iraq.

However after further talks with EU leaders, Turkey indicated it would accept the decision despite disappointment over having to wait until at least the end of 2004, nearly two years longer than hoped for.

Turkish Prime Minister Abdullah Gul vowed to continue with human rights, political and economic reforms in order to qualify for EU membership.

In return, EU leaders added two words to their final communique. Talks would begin "without delay" if the 2004 review finds Turkey meets the criteria.

Turkey's prospect of membership dates back to the early 1960s, but its dubious human rights record and volatile finances have long prevented the West Europeans from giving the country serious consideration.

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