"I CONGRATULATE THE PEOPLE OF IRELAND FOR THEIR HISTORIC AND RESPONSIBLE CHOICE WHICH IS OF CLOSE INTEREST TO THE FUTURE OF THE ENTIRE CONTINENT"

Egemen Bagis, Minister for EU Affairs and the Chief Negotiator stated that, the endorsement of the Lisbon Treaty in Ireland by a referendum , once more had proven EU's determination in its progress towards deepening and enlargement.

In a written explanation he made related to the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty in 2 October 2009 in Ireland after the second referendum, Bagis stated that he had received the developments with pleasure and said: "I congratulate the people of Ireland for their historical and prudential preference which interests the future of our continent."

Stating that he appreciated the solidarity demonstrated by the EU countries in comprehending their diversity and eliminating the concerns, Bagis said:

"Lisbon Treaty will directly contribute to the revival and modernization of the European Union and to the strengthening of its decision-making mechanism. The EU, by ratifying the Lisbon Treaty, once again demonstrated its determination to progress in terms of both deepening and enlargement. The new EU institutions, policies and decision-making mechanisms to be created on the basis of the Lisbon Treaty can bring a new momentum to the EU."

Bagis stated that with that Treaty, the EU had taken a further step in being a global actor in the true sense of the word, democratising its institutions further and "uniting in diversity", and said that latest development in the European integration process was also closely watched by Turkey.

"Turkey which is a candidate for EU membership and which conducts accession negotiations wishes that the process of ratification of the Lisbon Treaty is completed as soon as possible in all member states following the ‘Yes' in Ireland and that the EU develops its capacity for deepening and integration", said Bagis and he stated that the Lisbon Treaty was a confirmation that the enlargement policy of the EU would be continued, and Turkey who had been progressing determinedly in the process of reforms and negotiations would continue her journey for full membership in post-Lisbon process.

Source: AA