Turkey took a fresh step towards EU membership Wednesday with the opening of new policy talks, despite resistance from France and other members.
"There is no doubt that some member states are trying to erode our political and juridicial position on the adhesion process but that sort of attitude is wrong and doesn't reflect a responsible approach," Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan told a press conference in Brussels.
"Provocation" from some nations would not deflect it from its goal, he added, after Turkey officially opened talks on another two of the 35 policy chapters which must be successfully negotiated prior to membership.
"If the goal behind these provocations is to get Turkey to renounce its principles and ideals it won't work," he said, without mentioning any member states by name. France has been leading the lobby to keep Turkey out of the European Union. French President Nicolas Sarkozy is a staunch opponent of Ankara's EU bid and advocates a special partnership with largely Muslim Turkey rather than full membership.
The French stance is largely backed by Cyprus, which Turkey refuses to trade with, and Austria. Britain, Sweden and most of the newer EU states are championing future Turkish membership.