Ankara: EU shouldn't fear Turkey's power

PanARMENIAN.Net - "Turkey's accession to the European Union will greatly contribute to the organization," said Ali Sarikaya, an advisor to the Turkish Prime Minister. "The EU should think about its future, since Turkey can promote development of the organization as compared to other EU member states."



Addressing a UMP conference, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have reaffirmed their opposition to full membership of Turkey in the European Union



"I would like to be accepted as a friend of Turkey. However, I have to state that there is no place for Turkey in the EU because it's located in Asia Minor," Sarkozy said. "We should not be tempted into thinking that all European neighboring countries must become members of European Union. If we keep expanding the European Union we will destroy the policy in Europe."



The accession talks were launched in 2004. The major obstacles for Turkey's membership are the Kurdish problem, Turkey's refusal to open the border with Armenia and denial of the Armenian Genocide.



France and Germany understand that Turkey's membership will press three informal EU leaders - France, Germany and UK. With its vast territory, population of many millions, tremendous economic and geopolitical significance will comprise the leading 'four' of Europe, experts say, Trend reports.