2007-2013 EU budget - reservations emerge

A majority of European Union countries, inlcuding Slovakia, issued a
statement October 11 expressing reservations about the proposed 2007 - 20013
budget.

Foreign Minister Eduard Kukan said: "The statement is based on the fact that
the system to be introduced would be disadvantageous for the new members of
the EU25," he said.

As an example, he mentioned funding to support science and research, which,
as currently proposed, would be given only to the best projects , news wire
TASR wrote.

"The EU15 is doing better in these matters, and if the money were divided
according to what's being proposed now, we would be discriminated
against," explained Kukan.

Slovakia would prefer to see a more flexible system, by implementing national quotas, for example.

Kukan also commented on the case of Turkey, and rejected the notion that
Slovakia should launch a referendum on whether Turkey should become an EU
member.

He noted that it is not usual practice to hold a referendum on accepting
new countries. "I don't see any reason why Turkey should be an exception,"
added Kukan.

He also refuted the idea that the Turkey's Islamic culture play any
significant role in judging its candidature. According to Kukan, such a
stance would be "inappropriate".

Compiled by Beata Balogová from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.

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