Rehn: "Next year will be a real test of Turkey's EU bid"

EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn yesterday said that the coming year would be a critical one for Turkey's EU accession bid, adding, "Next year will be an important test of whether Turkey is serious about its EU accession perspective." In an interview with Reuters, Rehn said, "I am aware of the dilemma emanating from Turkey's more religious and secular ways of life. But Turkish society has to find a way to compromise. The energy to be used for to fulfill necessary legal and economic reforms is wasted for domestic tensions." On the Cyprus issue, Rehn said that a comprehensive solution to the issue should be reached next year, urging all parties of the issue to work to create a win-win situation for the two communities on the divided island.