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Obama urges EU to accept Turkey as member

Sun Apr 5, 2009 7:18 AM EDT
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Associated Press

A group of Turkish leftist shout slogans while protesting against NATO in Istanbul, Turkey, Saturday, April 4, 2009. The banner with a photo of U. S. President Barack Obama reads: "No soldier for Afghanistan! Obama go back home!" (AP Photo/Ibrahim Usta)

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PRAGUE — President Barack Obama is urging the European Union to accept Turkey as a member, saying it would be a positive sign to the Muslim world.

Obama spoke Sunday at a luncheon for leaders of the EU's 27 nations in Prague. He said the West should seek greater cooperation and closer ties with Islamic nations. He said letting Turkey into the EU would be an important sign of those efforts.

France, Austria and other nations oppose Turkey's long-running efforts to join the European Union. EU members have urged Turkey to do more to guarantee minority rights, curb powers of its military and pass new rights for trade unions.

Turkey's population is mostly Muslim. Obama visits there Monday and Tuesday.

© 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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And let's make Mexico the 53rd state!

    Reply#1 - Sun Apr 5, 2009 2:48 PM EDT
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