October 2, 2006 - 16:56 AMT
Erkki Tuomioja: EU-Turkey Talks May Last over 10 Years
The EU welcomes Armenia's urge to more democratization and hopes for the coming elections in 2007 and 2008 to be fair and honest, Erkki Tuomioja, the Foreign Minister of Finland, which presides the EU currently, stated in Yerevan. In his words, the ENP provides for EU members and countries cooperating with EU in some way, be democratic ones.

Speaking of the talks between Turkey and EU, Erkki Tuomioja noted that the talks may last over 10 years and will be hard. "Turkey has much to do in reforms to become a European country. EU membership is voluntary and Turkey made its choice itself. We hope it will be able to become a country meeting democratic requirements," the Finnish FM said.