ANKARA - The EU is ready to embrace Turkey if it fulfills its responsibilities, said Hansjoerg Kretschmer, head of the delegation of the European Commission to Turkey, in an interview with Turkish Channel 7 on Wednesday.
Stressing that Turkey has made a commitment regarding the implementation of Customs Union Additional Protocol, Kretschmer said that there are some disagreements, and they must be solved during negotiation process. He also expressed hope for a solution by the end of year.
Upon a question about referendum in Cyprus, Kretschmer reminded that European Commission proposed financial assistance & direct trade for Turkish Cypriots after referendum.
He noted that EU members approved financial assistance package (to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus-TRNC), and are working on direct trade issue. He added that they want a solution which will be for the interest of Turkish Cypriots.
Kretschmer said that EU has taken steps to lift isolations over TRNC, adding that financial assistance package is very important.
Kretschmer noted that if Turkey meets Copenhagen criteria as well as political and economic acquis, the EU is ready to embrace Turkey.
Upon another question, Kretschmer said that some reforms are still necessary regarding freedom of expression, freedom of religion, soldier-civilian relations and Kurdish issue in Turkey, adding that political reform process in Turkey should continue, and he expressed hope that this process will be completed successfully.
Kretschmer said that he does not agree that Turkish government lost its enthusiasm about EU process.