How do you judge the current treatment of Turkey under the French President Nicolas Sarkozy?
You have been criticised personally by an influential German MEP for being too forthcoming towards Turkey. In fact, as regards France and Turkey, there is a better political climate than for a long time between these two countries, and the same goes for the EU-Turkey relations. I’m not saying that this regards public opinion, but this regards the views in the governments of member states. The strategic role played by Turkey both in the Caucasus and in the Middle East has been very much appreciated by the EU member states. This does not mean that there will be any discount on accession criteria. On the contrary, it’s clear that Turkey will have to meet all conditions in order to make progress and accede to the EU. But there is a better political climate for the moment. France has practised fair play and has handled its Presidency very professionally, also in EU-Turkey relations. I expect we can open at least two chapters in the accession negotiations in December. Concerning my friend El
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