Germany says give EU constitution a chance: FT

London, Jan 26: German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier urged politicians in countries such as France not to make the EU constitution an election issue that could affect the charter's relaunch, a newspaper said on Friday.

France, now in an election year, voted against a proposed European Union constitution in a 2005 referendum, putting the proposal on ice. Dutch voters also rejected the treaty.

Germany, however, wants to use its current six-month EU presidency to move towards an agreement on the constitution by mid-2009 and streamline decision-making in the 27-nation bloc.

''We appeal to all those involved that they remain open enough to give this reform process a chance,'' Steinmeier told the Financial Times. ''There needs to be enough flexibility in the next few months to allow for a compromise later.'' The minister continued: ''It would be good if in countries where elections are due that the EU constitution doesn't become such a central topic where firm political positions are taken.'' On other EU issues, Steinmeier said he wanted to begin further membership talks with Turkey, the FT reported.

He said he expected EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn ''to make a proposal in February to open at least one chapter (of membership negotiations), possibly with more in May''.

''We would support this,'' Steinmeier said.

Turkey became a candidate for EU membership in 1999 and has reformed laws to protect human rights and reform the economy and judiciary, but critics argue implementation is slack.

Reuters