EU commissioner warns against blocking Turkey's EU accession bid
The EU's commissioner for the enlargement of the union has warned that Turkey's attempt to join the EU should not be blocked, according to new reports.
Olli Rehn said that Turkey represents a force of stability in a bridge between Europe and the Middle East - an opportunity that should not be spurned.
Nicolas Sarkozy, the new French president, is well-known for opposing Turkey's accession, despite the vast reform programme in operation in the country.
However, Mr Rehn counselled against any rejection of Turkey on the grounds that it will harm regional stability.
The commissioner was quoted by the Telegraph as saying: "Turkey is, not only in rhetoric but in reality, a bridge between civilisations. With the accession process, and with a successful accession process, of Turkey to the EU, she can become a sturdier bridge of civilisations."
One of Turkey's reforms to bring it closer to Europe has been in its financial sector - to the benefit of property investors. Over the last year, the country has introduced a regulated mortgage market for the first time.
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