October 31, 2006 - 17:49 AMT
Finland Tries to Prevent Failure of EU-Turkey Talks
Finland, which presides the EU at present, has sponsored "crisis talks" to prevent failure of talks on Turkey's accession to the EU. November 5-6 a meeting is expected with participation of representatives of Turkey, Greece, as well as the Greek and Turkish communities of Cyprus. Meanwhile, Finnish diplomats did not comment on these reports, RFE/RL said. November 8 the European Commission report on progress made by Turkey on the way to EU accession will be presented. The document is expected to be critical of Turkish authorities for not ensuring freedom of expression as well as failing to end torture of prisoners and establish control over the army.