Turkey 'is committed to reform for European Union accession'
Turkey has said it is committed to a programme of comprehensive reform with the aim of eventual accession to the European Union (EU), in spite of political obstacles such as the status of Cyprus, according to recent reports.
Abdullah Gul, Turkey's foreign minister, said that the country is proceeding with its reform plans with "determination" - something that should continue regardless of the debate concerning the recognition of Cyprus.
The programme, which will affect all aspects of Turkish legislature, is scheduled for completion in 2013.
A spokeswoman for the EU said that Turkey's reform plan is to be welcomed, although she added that this is what ought to be required of any country that plans to join the EU.
Krisztina Nagy was quoted by the Associated Press news agency as saying: "We are not defining accession dates in advance because the process of the accession negotiations depends on the progress of reforms on the ground."
Talks are ongoing regarding Turkey's failure to recognise Cyprus as a legitimate state, despite its membership of the European Union.
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