EU-member Turkey would be "bridge" to Islam - Rehn

HELSINKI, Aug 5 (Reuters) The war in the West Asia boosts the significance of Turkey's bid to join the European Union where it could serve as the bloc's ''bridge'' with Islam, top EU enlargement official Olli Rehn said.

Rehn told Finnish newspapers in comments published today that a moderate and democratic Turkey was of strategic importance to Europe and that if the country fulfilled entry criteria it must be allowed to join the 25-member bloc.

''The importance of negotiations with Turkey has increased in light of the military conflict in Lebanon because Turkey is a moderate Islamic society and secular democratic state,'' said Rehn, Enlargement Commissioner at the EU's executive Commission.

''If it (Turkey) will fulfil membership requirements, it could be even more stronger bridge between Europe and Islam.'' NATO member Turkey started EU entry talks in 2005 but diplomats say it may join the bloc in 10 years at the earliest, if at all.

Public and political support for further enlargement is weak after 10 mostly ex-communist states joined in 2004.

Brussels has criticised Ankara for slowing the pace of reforms since talks began, with Turkey's human rights record and the divided island of Cyprus the main stumbling blocks.

Rehn made clear, however, that the military conflict in Lebanon which some say drives support for radical Islamic groups did not mean that moderate and relatively stable Turkey could join the EU without meeting all entry criteria.

''There is no point for Turkey to think that it would get relief from requirements because of its size or strategic importance,'' Rehn said. ''It is essential that both sides take their responsibilities seriously and stick to commitments.'' The EU has chastised Turkey for its penal code which makes it relatively easy to prosecute authors and journalists who question state policy or institutions, with several high-profile cases making headlines around the world in past months.

''I can't even imagine the EU with a member that does not follow a principle so essential as freedom of speech. Turkey must, without delay, reform the law in question,'' Rehn said.

He added that starting EU entry negotiations did not automatically have to lead to membership for either Turkey or applicants from the Balkans, such as Croatia.

''I am not saying these countries would become members today or tomorrow, but EU has committed to a possibility of membership in the medium or long term,'' he said.

REUTERS SY RN1643