Olli Rehn, the European commissioner for enlargement, said that the rhythm and outcome of Turkey's EU full membership negotiations depended on Turkey.

The rhythm and outcome of entry talks was closely related with Turkey's fulfilling required reforms, Rehn said in a conference in the French capital of Paris.

In the conference, Rehn thanked France, holding the rotating presidency of the union, for its efforts to keep the regular momentum of full membership negotiations with Turkey.

Rehn referred to Turkey's strategic and diplomatic role, and said that Turkey, with an overwhelmingly Muslim population, democratic and secular model and diplomacy, was a significant actor in its region and an important element of stability.

The commissioner referred to Turkey's role as a mediator in Israeli-Palestine and Israeli-Syrian disputes and Caucasus crisis, and its new policy towards Armenia.

Rehn said those policies of Turkey reaffirmed its key role in the region and its relations with the EU.

The commissioner also said that Turkey was sending troops to peace operations of Europe, and contributing to EU's fight against terrorism, drug and human trafficking.

Turkey was actively contributing to security of EU citizens, he said.

Rehn drew attention to Turkey's economic potential, and said Turkey was offering significant trade perspectives before companies in EU member states.

The commissioner also said that Turkey had a key role in ensuring the security of energy routes towards the EU, and verifying those routes.

Turkey became an EU candidate country in December 1999. The union launched accession talks with Turkey on October 3rd, 2005.

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