Turkey seeking firm backing from EU heavyweights at Berlin summit
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Turkey was expected to insist on the unconditional backing of European Union powerhouses Germany and France for its bid to join the bloc at three-way talks, amid signs Paris is hedging its bets.
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The European Commission is expected later this week to recommend EU membership talks with Turkey. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan are anticipating a &quot;positive report.
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Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday he would hold three-way talks with French and German leaders on Turkey's EU membership bid, which the two heavyweights of the bloc oppose.
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Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan headed to Brussels Wednesday to assure the European Union that Turkey is committed to pro-EU reforms after his party shelved a key reform package amid hard-liners' demands that it include a proposal to outlaw adultery.
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The European Commission president urged Turkey on Thursday to &quot;go the extra mile&quot; to show Europeans it is ready for EU membership talks as the bloc prepared
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ANKARA/STRASBOURG, France  - Prime Minister Tayyip  Erdogan voiced confidence on Wednesday that Turkey would win a  date for opening long-delayed European Union entry talks at a  landmark summit of the bloc's 25 leaders this week.
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BRUSSELS, Belgium - European Union leaders are expected to approve opening talks with Turkey on its wish to join the EU during a two-day summit opening Thursday, but they will likely impose stiff conditions on Ankara.
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Turkish leaders welcome an EU decision on entry talks, but say Ankara deserves equal and fair treatment.
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As Turkey looks set to receive official EU blessing to start negotiating membership, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan got a warm reception when he visited Germany, Turkey&#39;s major ally in its quest for accession.
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Germany and France offered a ringing endorsement for Turkey&#39;s eventual membership of the European Union at a bilateral summit, as French President Jacques Chirac brushed aside doubts about Paris&#39;s backing.
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European Union leaders meet in Brussels this week to decide whether to open talks with Turkey on its controversial bid to join the bloc.
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Germany and France are expected to adopt a tougher stand on the Turkish bid to join the EU when their leaders meet in SaarbrA A1 4cken on Tuesday .Comment
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ANKARA, Oct 2  - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Saturday that his country&#39;s drive to join the European Union will dominate his talks with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder during a brief visit to Berlin.
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After meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyp Erdogan Thursday morning, EU Expansion Commissioner GÃ¼nther Verheugen is ready to recommend Europe start membership negotiation with Turkey.
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ANKARA, Dec 15  - Raising its tone on the eve of a critical summit, Turkey warned the European Union Wednesday that it would not hesitate to give up its 40-year dream of joining the bloc if it is offered a status falling short of full membership.
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After more than 40 years at Europe&#39;s doorstep, Turkey Tuesday eagerly awaited the European Commission&#39;s green light to begin membership talks with the European Union -- but with some strings attached.
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BRUSSELS, Dec 16  - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed Thursday the EU&#39;s &quot;positive&quot; approach to its bid to start membership talks, but said sticking points remain ahead of a crunch summit.