Nearly 70 percent of Turks support their country's bid to join the European Union, while some 10 percent are against, according to a public opinion poll obtained by AFP on Thursday.
The survey, conducted by a leading research company, PIAR-Gallup, found out that 68.7 percent either "strongly support" or "support" the accession of the predominantly Muslim country to the pan-European body.
Some 10 percent were against, while 21.4 percent were undecided.
A better economic development topped the list of expectations of some 30 percent of the pro-EU respondents.
Fourteen percent said they supported Turkey's EU membership because it would boost the country's international influence, while 12.5 percent believed Turkey would become a state fully respectful of human rights.
Only 5.6 percent favored membership on the grounds that it would resolve the Kurdish conflict, and only 2.8 percent supported it to slash the clout Turkey's military wields in politics.
The survey, which covered more than 2000 people in 17 Turkish provinces, found out that some 70 percent believed Turkey should improve its democracy and human rights record and take measures to secure a full-fledged freedom of expression.
Those who were against Turkey's EU membership believed it would have negative impact on the Turks' Muslim and national identity, open the door for the country's disintegration, make Turkish economy dependant on the EU and eradicate sovereignty rights.
Turkey was declared a candidate for EU membership last December – ANKARA (AFP)
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