Finland's Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen on Tuesday described the recommendation of the European Commission on Turkey's EU course as a good foundation for a discussion.

In a speech at the European Parliament in Brussels on the Future of Europe, Vanhanen repeated that the decision of the 25 on Turkey's EU course will be taken on Monday at the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council and the European Summit next week will not deal with the issue.

Vanhanen made special reference to Turkey, underlining that the presidency will take all necessary measures so that the decision will be taken at a foreign ministers' level, adding that the issue will not be examined at the European Council.

Referring to the Committee's recommendation, Vanhanen stressed that the presidency supports it because it is a "good foundation for a discussion for taking decisions" by the 25.

On November 29, the European Commission said it was recommending a partial suspension of Turkey's EU membership talks for refusing to open its ports and airports to Cypriot vessels and aircraft.

The Commission said eight out of 35 negotiating chapters would be put on hold.

Source: Athens News Agency

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