By Betul Yuruk
ANKARA
Italy will throw the full weight of the European Union presidency behind Turkey's accession bid as it takes over the office, the country’s ambassador to Ankara has told the Anadolu Agency.
Gianpaolo Scarante said Turkey's accession to the EU would contribute to the 28-member bloc economically, socially and culturally.
He said: "We have always welcomed and supported Turkey's EU membership. We always want Turkey to be included in the EU more and this will be among Italy's priorities."
Italy took the EU's rotating term-presidency Tuesday from Greece -- the 12th time it has held the office since it founded the European Economic Community with five other nations in 1957.
Scarante said Italy would support visa free travel to the EU for Turkish citizens and the opening of new accession policy areas, or "chapters," particularly those on "judiciary and fundamental rights" and "justice, freedom and security" -- the two policy areas for which Turkey has been criticized.
"The prevention of opening these chapters will disrupt dialogue between Turkey and the EU," he said. "If Turkey meets the conditions, we will do our best to open these chapters."
In December Turkey signed a readmission agreement allowing EU members to send illegal migrants who enter Europe via Turkey back to Turkey as part of a larger deal to allow visa-free travel for Turkish citizens in the EU. It will come into force in three years.
Turkey began negotiations to join the EU in 2005 and has been working to implement the reforms needed for it to comply with the 35 negotiation areas that will secure accession.
So far, only 14 "chapters" have been opened while 17 still remain blocked, due in part to the dispute over the division of Cyprus.
Pointing to the crises in Ukraine, Syria and Iraq, Scarante said energy issues would become increasingly important over the next 20 to 30 years.
Speaking at the Italian embassy in Ankara, he added: "The crises in the region raise the importance of opening the energy chapter.
"Turkey is striving to turn into a regional energy hub and the EU is a potential energy consumer. That is why the opening of the energy chapter is very important."
Italy to fight against migration, unemployment
New migration policies are among Italy's top priorities as it receives a large number of migrants from Libya, Syria and Iraq, many drowning during the perilous sea crossing to southern Italy.
Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has said the EU cannot turn a blind eye to migrant deaths and called for the EU to do more to help Italy's humanitarian rescue program.
Scarante outlined Italy's agenda during its six-month presidency, identifying growth, innovation and, particularly, unemployment as priorities.
Unemployment rate in the EU is around 12 percent with almost 26 million people out of work, according to the EU statistical agency, Eurostat.
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