ANKARA
A break in the EU enlargement would not be a "realistic" approach, Turkish EU Affairs Minister said Thursday referring to European Commission Chief, Jean-Claude Juncker's remarks.
Juncker said there would be no new enlargement in the next five years speaking shortly before his appointment to his new post on July 15.
"I believe his remarks neither reflect his personal opinion nor his country's. Luxembourg attaches importance to Turkey's EU accession," Turkish EU Affairs Minister, Cavusoglu said during his meeting with Ambassador Stefano Manservisi, the head of the European Union Delegation to Turkey in Ankara.
"The EU has its domestic issues and wants to focus on them, leaving enlargement aside, however, this is not a realist approach for us," he added.
Ambassador Stefano Manservisi said Turkey had a crucial role to play in reshaping Europe and Junker's remarks were a political statement that needed to be discussed in order to see whether it is feasible or not.
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 its accession.
So far, only 14 "chapters" have been opened while 17 still remain blocked.
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