SLOVAKIA SUPPORTS TURKISH EU ACCESSION

UNCLAS BRATISLAVA 000959 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL TU LO SUBJECT: SLOVAKIA SUPPORTS TURKISH EU ACCESSION ¶1. FM Jan Kubis said Slovakia was among the majority of EU Member States on the side of continuing accession negotiations with Turkey, during a December 12 press conference at the Slovak MFA. Kubis said Slovakia's goal was to continue negotiations while sending a clear signal of displeasure with Turkey's continued failure to live up to its Istanbul commitments. "A very small group of countries" thought suspending even eight chapters was too strict a punishment, "and an even smaller group" thought it was not harsh enough, said Kubis. Kubis said Slovakia supports Turkey's candidacy in recognition of the progress Turkey has made, and because it is in the strategic interests of Slovakia and the EU. ¶2. PM Robert Fico told Parliament December 11 that he supports Turkey's accession. Fico is quoted as saying that Turkey must fulfill all the EU accession criteria just like any other candidate, but that the country cannot be turned away just for having a different religion. VALLEE