From the Keynote Speech by Mr. Yasar Yakis Chairman of the EU Commission in the Turkish Parliament and Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey

For several reasons, Austria is in a position to better assess Turkey’s case. Both countries inherited an imperial legacy. They had a multitude of contacts throughout last six centuries, sometimes in the form of military confrontations, some other times in cooperation against third countries.
Turkey’s membership will raise the profile of the EU in the projection of common European values and standards to neighbouring regions.
Today more than 200.000 Turks live in Austria and amongst them, more than 80.000 Turks have acquired Austrian citizenship. This is a significant number. Turkey and Austria cooperate in many ways especially in economic fields, from transportation equipments to energy, from food to electronics, financial services, chemicals, medicine and so on. The Agreements signed between the two countries on the Prevention of Double Taxation, on the Promotion and Protection of Investments and on the Technical Cooperation, facilitate the economic cooperation.
Turkey’s membership to the EU will no doubt enhance the Union’s global reach, be it strategic or economic, thus its influence. Austria will benefit from this, as well as the other member countries of EU, if not more.
To conclude, I would like to reiterate that Turkey’s main objective continues to be the opening of accession negotiations with the EU as of December 2004.
We believe that we have ensures the “critical mass” regarding compliance with the Copenhagen political criteria as far as the legislative measures are concerned.
We are committed to ensure the full and effective implementation of legal reforms. We need in this effort the support and encouragement of you as friends of Turkey.

For more Information: www.otw.co.at/otw/index.php/e/a/145