British Prime Minister Tony Blair has expressed his delight at bringing the deal for Turkey's entry into the EU a step closer. He described Turkey's entry as of "fundamental importance" to the peace and security of the world.

Agreeing the commencement date for entry talks was a "hugely important and welcome start", the Prime Minister said.

"Turkey's membership of the European Union is fundamental to the future peace and security of Britain, Europe and the wider world," he added.

Blair was pivotal in securing the timetable for the predominantly Muslim nation to join the European Union. On Monday he made a statement which put forward the points for Turkey’s entry and outlined the meaning of the situation to Britain and Europe as a whole.

The British leader told Parliament that Turkey was positioned in a pivotal strategic area, and that it encompassed the Middle East, the Balkans and Central Asia. Blair said it was "in all our interests" to have a "stable and democratic Turkey" and that it was imperative to "strengthen our influence and role" in those areas.

In response to those that thought that there was a clash between Christian and Muslim countries, Blair said that the latest decision and Turkey’s new status within Europe would prove them wrong.

Unlike a majority of other nations, Britain is giving cross-party support for Turkey’s proposed joining of the EU. Tory leader, Michael Howard said that the deal had laid to rest any suggestions that the European Union was "anti-Islamic".

Howard went on saying that Turkey’s involvement in the EU would provide an "invaluable bridge" between Europe and the rest of the world. However, he also stated that the current EU constitution was not designed to take in such a country as large as Turkey.

When talks commence on 3rd October 2005, Britain will be in charge of the EU presidency, and therefore the historical home of many Christian denominations will play a key role in the talks.

Tony Blair was also insistent that the Turks had made great advances in improving its human rights record over recent times.

The main hurdle that is now apparent in commencing the talks is Turkey’s unwillingness to recognise the southern part of Cyprus as an EU member. Internationally, the southern part of Cyprus is considered to be an EU member, but Turkey, that occupies the northern parts of Cyprus, have previously stated they would not give in to demands to recognise the country, and called the issue a "red line".

Parties have agreed that the discussions concerning this can take place at a later date, but Turkish premier, Recap Erdogan had to accept that negotiations in no way guaranteed his country’s full EU membership. It is also believed by many experts that it could even take up to fifteen years before Turkey is able to join the EU after talks begin, and if they do join that the country may be restricted by the number of migrants of its citizens.

In addition to Turkey, Croatia will commence accession talks with the European Union in April 2005. However, Croatia also has problems with its current situation, and talks will only begin if the country co-operates with the UN war crimes tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.

At present the European Union consists largely of countries that have been deeply rooted historically in Christianity, and various sceptics have described the Union as a Christian-only zone. The monumental move to allow talks to begin with the 99% Islamic country is a landmark decision for the European Union. However, many remain sceptical over whether Turkey may harm their own bid to enter the EU by quickly tarnishing their new cleaner human rights record.