EU hails Turkey's new policy towards Armenia

PanARMENIAN.Net - Olli Rehn, the European commissioner for enlargement, said that the rhythm and outcome of Turkey's EU full membership negotiations depends on Turkey and its fulfilling required reforms on late Friday.



The rhythm and outcome of accession talks is closely related with Turkey's fulfilling required reforms, Rehn said in a conference in the French capital of Paris.



Rehn also thanked France, who holds the rotating presidency of the union, for its efforts to keep the regular momentum of full membership negotiations with Turkey, in the conference.



Rehn stressed the Turkey's strategic and diplomatic role, and said that Turkey, with an overwhelmingly Muslim population, "democratic and secular model and diplomacy, is a significant actor in its region and an important element of stability."



The commissioner also referred to Turkey's role as a mediator in Israeli-Palestine and Israeli-Syrian disputes and Caucasus crisis, and its new policy towards Armenia.



Rehn said the Turkey's policies, including mediation in Israeli-Palestine and Israeli-Syrian disputes and Caucasus crisis, and its new policy towards Armenia are revealing its key role in the region.



The commissioner also said that Turkey is sending troops to peace operations of Europe, and contributing to EU's fight against terrorism, drug and human trafficking.



Turkey is actively contributing to security of EU citizens, he said adding that Turkey offered significant trade perspectives in EU member states with its economical potential.



The commissioner also said that Turkey has a key role in ensuring the security of energy routes towards the EU, and verifying those routes, Hurriyet Reports.