ROME - Italian Minister of European Affairs Emma Bonino said Turkey's accession process should not be jeopardised, at a meeting taking place in Rome regarding Bulgaria and Romania's EU membership.
Critising sides that are using Cyprus issue as a pretext against Turkey, Bonino said, "the possible benefits that 'Turkey's membership to EU' would bring to Europe, Italy and the Mediterranean require we avoid the risk of a pause in the process. The habit of using Cyprus issue like Byzantium intriques in the name of political resistance or election agendas should be abandoned."
Answering a question from reporters, Bonino said " both EU and Turkey should fulfil their responsibilities. We are expecting the EU summit to encourage Turkey's steps towards the EU."