Still, Turkey's membership negotiations are expected to be long and difficult.

The membership negotiations are expected to take at least 10 years, plenty of time to resolve problems and ensure that real change has come about.

This is the first step before making an application for candidate status and membership negotiations.

Turkey was therefore promised certain aid during the often long and difficult process entailed by membership negotiations.

That is another important reason for delaying membership negotiations.

In view of these factors, we believe that membership negotiations should not be embarked on as matters stand.

For the same reason, we can see that it was a mistake to begin membership negotiations with Turkey right now.

It is understandable that membership negotiations should raise many questions and even doubts.

This issue forms part of the agreements which were concluded during our membership negotiations.

The Commission has explained very clearly that this is an area which will attract a great deal of attention during membership negotiations.