BERLIN
Speaking to the German "Saarbrucker" newspaper, Westerwelle stressed that Turkey did not demand an urgent EU membership.
"However, Turkey's demands on receiving fair treatment, confidence and respect in negotiations are all right," Westerwelle said.
Turkey has written a breath taking success story in the past decade, Westerwelle noted.
Developments indicate that Turkey could be a bridge between Europe's Muslim neighbors and the EU, Westerwelle stated.
"We, the Europeans, should open chapters to negotiations with Turkey in the first half of 2013. Otherwise, in the upcoming term, our interest in Turkey may be greater than Turkey's interest on us," Westerwelle also said.
