Opening a parliamentary debate that has been shrouded in controversy, French prime minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin said yesterday (15 October) that neither Turkey nor Europe is ready for Turkey's accession.
"Neither Europe nor Turkey" are "today ready for Turkey joining", said Mr Raffarin. "Let’s not lie to the Turkish people [but] say clearly that membership of the EU is not going to be possible today, tomorrow or in the next years", he added.
"Turkey remains very far from Europe ...
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