    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [December 11, 1999]
    [Pages 2279-2280]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Turkey's European Union Candidacy
    December 11, 1999

        It is with great pleasure that I welcome the European Union's offer
    on Friday to Turkey and Turkey's acceptance of EU candidate status. The
    United States has long supported Turkey's bid to join the EU, in the
    belief that this would have lasting benefits not only for Turkey but
    also for all EU members and the United States. On Friday the EU and
    Turkey took a big step toward bringing that goal to fruition.
        I would like to congratulate Turkish Prime Minister Ecevit for his government's decision to accept the EU offer.
    Under Mr. Ecevit, Turkey has launched an impressive array of political,
    economic, human rights, and other reforms that

    [[Page 2280]]

    demonstrate conclusively its commitment to take its rightful place in
    Europe.
        I would like to express my admiration to Greek Prime Minister
    Simitis for his statesmanship and
    groundbreaking efforts with Mr. Ecevit to
    improve relations between Greece and Turkey, efforts which were key to
    bringing about this momentous development.
        Finally, I want to congratulate all the members of the European
    Union for their decision and to express my support for their vision of a
    Europe stronger and more united for its embrace of diversity. In
    particular, Finnish Prime Minister Lipponen
    deserves credit for his hard work and skill in helping to bring about
    this extraordinary achievement.