Ankara (AsiaNews) – Turkey hails the beginning of membership talks with the European Union, but the European Commission President dampens the enthusiasm saying that the final decision will be in the hands of those Europeans who will vote in national referenda.

Metaphorically, Turkey's "indispensable crescent moon surrounded by [Europe's] stars" gives the would-be EU member what it wanted: full membership talks and a simple, albeit special, partnership with the European juggernaut.

With the agreement in his pockets, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan thanked his people for their support and the concrete efforts they made to reform Turkey's political system and society as requested by the European parliament.

After 42 years, Turkey's dream is thus in the last stretch and the local press—photos splashed across the pages showing smiling leaders hugging and shaking hands—agrees that the country is at an historic crossroad, that it is entering a new phase.

In the elation of victory some Turks have poured scorn on France's and Austria's scepticism and anti-Turkish phobias. The newspaper Hurriyet told its readers that French opposition failed to keep the borders closed to those who claim that "the mosques are our barracks, the domes our helmets, the minarets our bayonets and the faithful our soldiers (a statement that current Prime Minister Erdogan made a few years ago and which landed him in temporary political limbo).

European Commission President José Barroso however dampened Turkey's enthusiasm by reiterating that Turkey's entry is "neither guaranteed, nor automatic".

"Turkey must win the hearts and minds of European citizens," he said in a clear reference to next spring's referenda in France (already scheduled for May 29, 2006) and Austria.

Hanging over Turkey's membership bid like a sword of Damocles are in fact the two countries' public opinions, both significantly hostile to Turkish membership. In the end, it is French and Austrian voters who will have the final say, and current surveys indicate that opposition is very strong and not to be underestimated.

But once the process launched, can any stop it, let alone reverse it? For different reasons, everyone, especially Turkey's Christians, hope not. (MZ)