Turkey's EU accession 'will take time'
Turkey's accession to the European Union (EU) is something that should not be rushed, with many details and issues still to be sorted out, according to a German government official.
Jens Plottner, deputy spokesperson for the German foreign ministry, explained that the decision behind the accession process was met by a full vote from EU member states in the acknowledgement that it would take a number of years.
The comments follow the election of Nicolas Sarkozy to the French presidency, who has gone on record as saying that he is opposed to Turkey joining the EU.
The Today's Zaman newspaper quoted Mr Plottner as saying: "The decision concerning [Turkey's] EU membership will be made in the following years.
"There is no need for making an urgent decision concerning Turkey's EU membership," he added.
Earlier this week, EU enlargement commissioner Olli Rehn downplayed concerns over Turkey's attempts to join the EU, saying that "the door is open to Turkey" if it can meet the criteria for accession.
He concluded by saying that other European states need to show "patience and prudence" with Turkey.
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