Turkish `democratic deficit' impedes hopes of joining EU

Turkey's hopes of early accession to the EU have received a setback as the European Parliament has not backed moves to give it "applicant country" status.

A "democratic deficit" and human rights problems were cited by MEPs who voted not to support a proposal by the Commissioner for enlargement, Mr Gunther Verheugen, that Turkey's application be advanced at the Helsinki summit in December.

Mr Verheugen recognised Turkey did not yet meet the Copenhagen criteria on such issues as human rights and protection of minorities, though some progress had been made.

"It would be a serious error to refuse Ankara equal footing with other countries wishing to join," he warned.

The Commissioner asked MEPs to support the EU's strategy on granting Turkey financial credits. At this point, it was not a question of embarking on accession negotiations but of achieving the first step of granting Turkey applicant status.

The Finnish Foreign Minister, Mr Kimmo Sasi, on behalf of the European Council, stressed Turkey had a crucial role to play in promoting peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

He also noted that the EU was Turkey's most important trade partner.

However, Mr Hans-Gert Pottering, leader of the Christian Democrats and centre-right parties - the largest grouping in the parliament - said the time was not ripe yet for accession. He, nonetheless, wanted "a Europe of peace and stability in clear and good partnership with Turkey".

He added: "Turkey does have a European vocation. But if we grant Turkey this status today what in the future can we say to Russia or the Ukraine if we refuse them the same status?"