Azerbaijan, Baku, Dec. 24/ corr. Trend B.Hasanov/ Good relations between Turkey and Czech Republic during Czech Republic's chairmanship to the European Union (EU) can lead to serious advancements in the talks between Turkey and the EU.
"We hope that Czech Republic will pressure EU member countries, by fulfilling its tasks in the issues connected with Turkey," Yashar Yakish, former Foreign Minister of Turkey, co-chairman of Turkey-EU Inter-Parliamentary Commission, told Trend by telephone from Ankara on Dec. 24.
In 2009 Czech Republic will preside the EU. There will be advancements in relations between Turkey and EU during Czech Republic's chairmanship, Turkish press reported.
Relations and co-operation between Turkey and the EU began with concluding Ankara agreement in 1964.
From 2005 the parties began official talks on Turkey's entrance to the EU. Despite that discussions over ten issues commenced within these talks in the last three years, the discussions on the issues affecting Turkey's entrance to the EU as a full-right member is delayed. Turkey always faces veto in the relations wit the EU. Five of these vetoes were imposed by France, the other eight by other countries. Twelve vetoes are connected with Cyprus problem.
The Co-chairman highlighted the opportunity for continuing talks in spite of veto and advancement in some issues on which veto has been imposed. The EU must take the first step in some issues within talks between Turkey and the EU, but in other issues Turkey must act, Yakish said. "We expect that Czech Republic will make more efforts in the issues in which the EU must take the first step," Co-chairman said. He stressed that the meetings on this topic with officials of Czech Republic began seven-eight months ago. The attitude towards Turkey is positive, Yakish said.
It is necessary for Turkey to fulfill some criteria to discuss some issues between the EU and Turkey, Co-chairman said. But it isn't so easy, he said.
"Turkish community's accepting the conditions suggested by the EU to begin talks on some issues is very difficult. Therefore, fulfillment of these conditions without taking into consideration the public opinion can present some problems," Yakish said.
Uncertain actions of the EU in the issues connected with Turkey brought the Turkish community to indecision in implementing the EU conditions.
"In spite of Turkey's fulfillment of all EU demands on some issues, discussions have not commenced on them," Yakish said.
To launch discussions on such issues, they expect much from Czech Republic's chairmanship to the EU, he said.
Currently, France presides the EU. During France's chairmanship which is against Turkey's entrance to the EU, there was poor advancement in Turkey-EU talks.
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