Frans Timmermans
He said Turkey's accession to the EU would be as important as the end of the cold war, or the French-German conflict.
Timmermans who got together on Wednesday with members of the press over breakfast at the residence of the Dutch ambassador in Ankara said Turkey's EU membership would show to the world that a country with an overwhelmingly Muslim population could at the same time uphold European values like the rule of law and respect for human rights.
"Will Turkey become an EU member? Yes, I think it will become a member. But it depends totally on Turkey. The prize for Turkey will not be membership of the EU but it will be Turkey's self transformation. When Turkey implements the required reforms, it will make the decision whether or not to enter the EU on its own," said Timmermans.
Commenting on his meeting with Turkey's chief EU negotiator, Egemen Bagis, and other Turkish officials, Timmermans said they discussed Turkey's EU bid and regional issues.
Commenting on the Cyprus issue, Timmermans said the EU should overcome certain problems and be more open to "Northern Cyprus". He said Turkey should also start implementing the Ankara Protocol.
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