Merkel vows to keep up Turkey EU entry talks

BERLIN, Sep 28 (Reuters) German Chancellor Angela Merkel said today that Berlin was ''a reliable partner'' for Turkey and vowed her government would continue supporting EU entry talks with Ankara even if she favoured lesser options.

In an interview with German television ahead of a 1-1/2 day trip to Turkey next week, Ms Merkel said her Christian Democrats would have preferred if the European Union forged a ''privileged partnership'' with Turkey rather than offering EU membership.

''The CDU, and that is also my personal view, was of the view that a 'privileged partnership' would have been better than full membership,'' said Ms Merkel. Germany will hold the EU presidency in the first half of 2007. ''Nevertheless, we're a reliable partner.

''And a previous government promised Turkey that entry talks would take place and that's why these entry talks will be continued,'' she added. ''Where they end up is an open question.

But they will be conducted fairly.'' Merkel has long had reservations about Turkish membership but has not stood in the way of Ankara's EU entry talks, which started before she took office in 2005. Her grand coalition partners, the Social Democrats, led the previous government.

''All in all, also in view of its bridge function into the Islamic world, Turkey is an important partner -- no matter under which conditions it relates to Europe.'' Turkey does not recognise southern Cyprus, which is part of the EU, and that is proving a major stumbling block in its bid to join the bloc.

''Something has to happen on this score,'' Merkel said.

REUTERS BDP KP2347