Armenian church leader in Turkey urged EU to support Turkish EU bid

The leader of the Armenian church in Turkey urged European leaders to support Turkey's bid to join the European Union, saying postponing Turkish membership would harm regional stability.

Pressure to delay Turkish membership "will be a blow not only to Turkey and Europe but to reconciliation between East and West," Mesrob II wrote in a letter to the 25 EU foreign ministers, who will hold an emergency meeting Sunday aimed at overcoming Austrian objections to starting entry talks with Turkey.

Vienna insists that Turkey be offered the option of a lesser partnership rather than full membership in negotiations. All 25 EU nations have to agree on a negotiating mandate before talks can begin with Ankara as scheduled on Monday, reports the AP. I.L.