BEIJING, Oct. 4 (Xinhuanet) -- The European Commission is expected later this week to recommend EU membership talks with Turkey. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan are anticipating a "positive report."

    During a joint press conference in Berlin on Saturday, Schroder reaffirmed his support for Turkey's bid for EU membership. He said it would become a positive factor toward peace and democracy in the Middle East. He addressed, "I believe it is in Europe's interest to support Turkey in its intention to combine non-fundamentalist Islam with the values of European instruction which is an addition in stability for Turkey but also for Europe."

    The Turkish prime minister said Europe can benefit from Ankara's accession too, calling it a "reconciliation of civilizations."

    Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish prime minister, said, "We must together take this step. This is of great importance both for Turkey and for Europe. Turkey's membership means a reconciliation of civilizations within the European Union."

    Turkey has introduced democratic and economic reforms to meet the requirements for membership. But some EU countries say it hasn't yet fulfilled all the terms for entry. One obstacle has been Ankara's role in its divided island neighbor, of Cyprus. Others are concerned about a wave of immigration and a loss of jobs, and are reluctant, to embrace such a large, and mainly Muslim country.

(CCTV.com)