Three In Four Austrians Oppose Turkey In EU

DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
December 29, 2004 4:50 a.m.

VIENNA (AP)--Nearly three in four Austrians oppose Turkey 's bid to enter the European Union, citing concerns over democracy, human rights and the country's embrace of Islam, a survey released Wednesday said.

The poll by Austria's Social-Scientific Study Society said 73% of respondents considered Turkey "unsuitable" for E.U. membership. Opposition in Austria was up nearly 10% since 1998, when a similar survey found 64% were against Turkey 's accession, the institute said.

Only 18% said they believed Turkey would be a suitable E.U. member. In 1998, 25% expressed approval, the center said. No margin of error was given.

Of those who opposed Turkey 's membership, 49% cited the country's conflict with its Kurdish minority and 43% cited its Muslim religious character.