Chief EU negotiator Bagis: "17 chapters are being blocked for political reasons"

The European Union negotiation process should steer clear of political issues which have no relation to the EU acquis, said State Minister and chief EU talks negotiator Egemen Bagis yesterday. Speaking to the Turkey-EU Joint Parliamentary Commission, Bagis said that Turkey's accession process is been seriously impeded for political reasons. "There are six chapters which could be opened today if certain member countries weren't blocking them," he explained. "Additionally, with the opening criteria fulfilled, there are three chapters which could be opened very quickly were those political obstacles cleared. While Turkey could open nine chapters in the shortest time possible, it can't make any progress. The opening of a total of 17 chapters is being hindered by various political reasons which aren’t technical."