I am aware the representatives of the Turkish Government are extremely angry at their effective exclusion at the moment the decision was made. To date, Turkey's position with regard to attendance at the conference has been negative. They are still simmering with anger at their treatment. They were not treated well in the context of the treatment of the other "ins and pre-ins", the phrase to describe the other central and eastern European countries and Cyprus.
At this stage, it appears the Turkish Government will not attend the conference. There is a strong feeling that its representatives were not properly treated in the first instance and that they should be encouraged to attend the conference in March. I hope they will change their minds as it will be in their own interests. Turkey has a great deal to offer the EU as a bridge between different cultures and in view of its history. However, there are problems in Turkey which will continue to be addressed.
Ireland believes the Union has a fundamental interest in developing and strengthening relations with Turkey and welcomes the fact that the European Council at Luxembourg explicitly confirmed Turkey's eligibility for accession. We welcome the proposal to invite Turkey to participate in the European Conference. It has the potential to provide a useful multilateral framework for consultation with all applicants for the Union, including Turkey. We also welcome the European strategy for Turkey, as outlined by the Council, and consider that elements for an enhanced European strategy for relations with Turkey, including the development of the possibilities afforded by the Ankara accord and an intensification of the customs union, have considerable potential to further deepen cooperation between the EU and Turkey.
I will encourage high level contact between Turkey and Greece. I have good relations with the Greek Foreign Minister and I would like to think——