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Germany backs Turkey EU bid but says reform needed
"Let me state categorically that what has been agreed between the EU and Turkey is still valid. This German government will honour these undertakings. You have my word on that," Westerwelle told a news conference in Ankara, according to a copy of his speech made available to journalists.
"(Membership talks) are an open-ended process. They do not imply anything automatic. The outcome cannot be guaranteed at the outset," he said.
Westerwelle referred to the so-called Copenhagen criteria required for membership of the 27-nation bloc, covering such areas as democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
For example, Westerwelle said Turkey must step up progress towards solving the issue of the divided Mediterranean island of Cyprus and improving religious and press freedom.
"Strict compliance with the Copenhagen criteria remains a prerequisite for accession," he said.
The EU unanimously agreed to open accession talks with Turkey, a mainly Muslim country of 70 million people, in 2005 but progress has been slow because of a lack of reforms at home and some member states' opposition to its membership.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has expressed opposition to Ankara's bid, saying it should be offered a "privileged partnership" short of full membership. Turkey has rejected the idea.
The suspension of Turkey's EU bid would require unanimity among the 27 member states. In any case, membership is expected to be achieved in decades rather than years.
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