Italians Rise up Against Turkey's EU Entry
World | December 20, 2004, Monday
Supporters of Italy's Northern League party protested in Milan against the start of talks to accede Turkey to the European Union, warning of a "Muslim invasion". Photo by bTV
Thousands of supporters of Italy's Northern League party protested in Milan against the start of talks to accede Turkey to the European Union. The protestors warned against a "Muslim invasion" and demanded a referendum on the issue. The banners, that people carried, read "After the Chinese, now the Turks: businesses are at risk" and "Yes to Christian roots". Organizers say 50,000 people joined the rally. The European Union's 25 leaders agreed on Friday to offer Ankara talks aimed at joining the wealthy bloc, starting on Oct. 3, 2005. EU dropped the demand for Turkey to initial an accord on Friday giving Cyprus de facto recognition after the Dutch, British, French, German and Greek leaders produced compromise proposals. Instead, Erdogan could make a "voluntary" commitment to sign the accord soon.
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