ITALY-TURKEY: FRATTINI, WE STRONGLY SUPPORT EU MEMBERSHIP
(ANSAmed) - ROME, NOVEMBER 5 - "The Italian government will
support the inclusion of Turkey in the European Union with all
its strength" said Foreign Minister Franco Frattini, speaking
at the Italo-Turkish Forum, indicating that the Italian
Parliament will give a "clear word" when necessary with the
"enormous majority" of the Berlusconi government, but also
with "the opposition" which it knows it can "count on".
"Turkey's inclusion will not be a problem, but it will be
part of the solution for strengthening Europe" in relations
with other countries, such as the Caucasus region, he added.
A "strategic outlook" is what is needed in relations with
Turkey, said Frattini, noting that in January Ankara will become
a member of the UN Security Council and Italy will have a
"special relationship" here, in view of reforms to the
Security Council.
Frattini stressed the need to build "a structured
intergovernmental dialogue" at the Italo-Turkish Summit in
Smirne on 13th November, and Italy's "ambition" in
"representing Turkey as a special partner in Europe".
(ANSAmed).
2008-11-05 18:45