tent>
PM doorstep interview on EU Council meeting in Copenhagen
[13 December 2002]
PRIME MINISTER:
We had a good discussion last night. I think the main element really to come out of this is to do with Turkey and the fact that we have a firm date given for the opening of accession negotiations, provided of course that Turkey meets the criteria, and it is the first time that a firm date has really been given for Turkey and it is important to emphasise that it is not a question of whether negotiations are opened with Turkey, if they pass the criteria they will be opened with Turkey, and I think that is a very important step forward. And as for the rest of it, at the present time there are negotiations still continuing with the other accession countries and I hope those accessions will be successful. We are supporting the Presidency very strongly in their task in that.
QUESTION:
Forgive me saying so, it does sound a little bit like spin, bearing in mind that the Turks are apparently very angry about this, that they have phoned you and said that they are very disappointed.
PRIME MINISTER:
Turkey I think would have liked an earlier date, but for 40 years Turkey has been waiting for a firm date, and this is a firm date. And of course as will be explained to Turkey, the criteria for European Union membership are what Turkey has to pass. If Turkey does pass those criteria and passes it earlier, then of course whenever those criteria are passed negotiations can be opened. But this is a firm date in December 2004 and it is not that negotiations may be opened, if they meet the criteria for European Union membership, the rules of the club are the same as for everybody else, then we will open negotiations. Now I think it is always the case that people at these European Councils, I think we all know this, never get absolutely everything they want, but this is a huge step forward after four decades of trying.
QUESTION:
Can you categorically deny that the government has been involved in surveillance of Peter Foster and passing any evidence to the Sun newspaper?
PRIME MINISTER:
I am really not getting involved in this any more. I am sure that is being dealt with back in London and I am going to carry on concentrating on the things that I believe really matter and there are huge issues being discussed here about the state of the European economy, international terrorism, we have got issues to do with Iraq, the question of Turkey and its entry into the European Union. And honestly, with the greatest respect, whatever you guys want to concentrate on, concentrate on, but that is what I am concentrating on.
QUESTION:
Is the Franco-German axis back in business?
PRIME MINISTER:
The French and the Germans have an historic relationship going over many, many years, but I think most people understand that today’s European Union is more than just about one relationship and I have always made it clear that we don’t want to do anything to displace that French and German relationship, it is important for both countries and for Europe. But Germany and France I think would make it equally clear that that is not an exclusive relationship, they want relations with other countries, including Britain too. And there are many other countries and many other alliances in Europe also.
QUESTION:
It would be a failure if Poland doesn’t come in though, wouldn’t it, this time round?
PRIME MINISTER:
I hope very much Poland does. This is an historic opportunity for Poland. Of course we have supported Polish accession very very strongly indeed. And I think since there are negotiations continuing about that now it is probably best not for me to usurp the Presidency in conducting them. Of course we want Poland in, everyone does.speech by the Prime Minister gave to an audience in Cardiff below.
delicious
digg
facebook
