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Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 97-12-18
CONTENTS
[01] US reiterates backing of Turkey's European vocation
1245:CYPPRESS:01
[01] US reiterates backing of Turkey's European vocation
Washington, Dec 18 (CNA) -- The US has repeated its firm belief that Turkey
deserves to be a member of the European Union, stressing the country's
"critical role in the world."
"Turkey has a European vocation and its membership in the EU ought to
be, in our view, something that does happen," US State Department spokesman
James Foley has said.
The spokesman recognised however the Union's right and ability "to set
the terms for membership and timetable for membership. Over time, this is
something that ought to occur."
Commenting on EU-Turkey's ties, following the exchange of sharp words
between Turkish and EU officials, Foley said "the relationship between the
US and Turkey is absolutely fundamental to Turkey's anchoring in the West."
He also referred to Turkey's "critical role in the world during the
Cold War and now in the post-Cold War era, we regard Turkey as a critical
and strategic ally."
Turkey, he said, is a European nation, a point where Europe and Asia
meet and added "it plays a role in various regions: the Caucasus, the
Middle East, the Mediterranean and Europe, and we believe that that
vocation ought to be reflected in Turkey's relationship with Europe and the
West."
CNA DA/MM/GP/1997
ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
CNA END
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