§ Mr. Simon ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Turkish authorities to ensure that they are complying with the criteria laid down in Copenhagen for EU accession; and if he will make a statement. [115038]
§ Mr. MacShaneMy right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary periodically discusses a range of issues, including Turkey"s progress in meeting the Copenhagen political criteria, with senior members of the Turkish 15W Government. Such discussions also take place regularly at ministerial and senior official levels. The last time the Foreign Secretary met members of the Turkish Government was during the informal meeting of Foreign Ministers in Rhodes on 2 to 3 May 2003, which he and Turkish Foreign Minister Gul attended. The UK continues to support strongly Turkey"s EU candidacy through projects funded by our UK-Turkey Action Plan and the FCO"s Global Opportunities Fund. Turkey continues to make real progress in meeting the political criteria required to start accession negotiations.