[Shannon]

Negotiating framework sets out rigorous road map for Turkey in talks

The negotiating framework document that was adopted after exhausting debates among European Union members sets the goal of negotiations with Turkey as full membership but says the talks are open-ended and that Turkey's membership could, in the end, involve permanent safeguard clauses restricting freedom of movement of persons and agriculture.

The document's paragraph 7, pertaining to Turkey's right to prevent Greek Cypriot membership in NATO and other international organizations, created a rift between Turkey and the EU but the dispute was resolved after a “presidency statement with the consent of the council” was issued to ease Turkish concerns.

Paragraph 7, which was paragraph 5 in earlier versions of the negotiating framework document, reads: “In the period up to accession, Turkey will be required to progressively align its policies towards third countries and its positions within international organizations (including in relation to the membership by all EU Member States of those organizations and arrangements) with the policies and positions adopted by the Union and its Member States.”

The presidency statement, which was approved by all members of the EU, says: “Paragraph 7 of the Negotiating Framework, which is covering all relevant international organizations, cannot be interpreted as prejudicing the autonomy of decision-making and rights of any of those international organizations or of their members, or of the Member States of the European Union.”



Read full Article here:

http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/a...?enewsid=25104