Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 97-12-18

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From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>

CONTENTS

[01] US reiterates backing of Turkey's European vocation

1245:CYPPRESS:01

[01] US reiterates backing of Turkey's European vocation

"Turkey has a European vocation and its membership in the EU ought to be, in our view, something that does happen," US State Department spokesman James Foley has said.

The spokesman recognised however the Union's right and ability "to set the terms for membership and timetable for membership. Over time, this is something that ought to occur."

Commenting on EU-Turkey's ties, following the exchange of sharp words between Turkish and EU officials, Foley said "the relationship between the US and Turkey is absolutely fundamental to Turkey's anchoring in the West."

He also referred to Turkey's "critical role in the world during the Cold War and now in the post-Cold War era, we regard Turkey as a critical and strategic ally."

Turkey, he said, is a European nation, a point where Europe and Asia meet and added "it plays a role in various regions: the Caucasus, the Middle East, the Mediterranean and Europe, and we believe that that vocation ought to be reflected in Turkey's relationship with Europe and the West."

CNA DA/MM/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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