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STRASBOURG, France - The European Union has recommend Turkey be put on the path to full membership, a historic move that could push Europe's borders to the Middle East and stoked fears among Europeans wary of bringing a poor Muslim country into the prosperous bloc.

Reflecting widespread misgivings, the 30-member EU executive commission on Wednesday set tough conditions to prevent Turkey from backtracking on sweeping democratic and human rights reforms, prompting a sharp response from Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

"If the European Union declares itself to be a Christian club we should know this clearly," he said.

In Brussels, European Commission President Romano Prodi said the recommendation to start entry talks was a "a qualified yes" to Turkey, which has long sought to join the EU. "Our position is a positive one, but also a prudent, cautious one," he said.

French President Jacques Chirac said talks with Turkey could last 10-15 years "at a minimum."

It is now up to the EU's 25 leaders to approve the recommendation at a Dec. 17-18 summit in Brussels, paving the way for the start of entry talks with the overwhelmingly Muslim country of 71 million people as early as next year.






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