[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 50 (Monday, December 20, 1999)]
[Page 2598]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 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.