Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

When it was originally agreed to open discussions and negotiations with Turkey, it was accepted agreement would take a considerable time and this was accepted by the Turks. Negotiations have been tortuous, not least because of the Ankara Protocol, which concerns the issue of the opening of ports and airports. This is a divisive issue for both the Turks and people from the Republic of Cyprus. I experienced this divide when I tried to travel from Ankara to Nicosia during my time as envoy. I was unable to travel directly and had to stop off in Beirut or somewhere else before going to Cyprus. Direct travel from either country to the other was impossible because of the embargo on airports and ports. As a member of the European Union, I found it difficult to understand why I could not fly from a country hoping to become a member of the European Union to one that was a member and mentioned that to the Turkish Foreign Minister, Mr. Gul, many times.

There has been some slowing by the Turks on what had previously been a rapid move towards fulfilling the requirements for EU membership under the various chapters. This may well be due to the fact elections are due to take place in Turkey. Being a politician, Deputy Durkan will understand there are issues the Turks must deal with within their country. To be fair, the Turkish Government has been proactive in its efforts, but there has been a slowdown to some extent.

This country supports the accession of Turkey, on the basis that it is necessary in the greater scheme of stability for the region, but at the same time it must come up to the mark on all the issues, human rights including women's rights, trade union rights, civilian involvement in the military etc. The country has made progress, but much more must be made. It is a little like our slogan in the last general election, "A lot done, more to do".

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