TURKEY IS A BRAVER AND MORE DEMOCRATIC COUNTRY COMPARED TO PAST

Speaking at the gala dinner of the 6th Bogazici Conference which was jointly organised by the British Council, Turkish Delegation of the European Commission and Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV) held in the Consulate General of the UK in Istanbul, Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator pointed out that Turkey was a braver and much more democratic country compared to past.

Bagis continued: "Now we can speak about Kurdish or Armenian problems with a peaceful mind. We can talk about Alawites and Syriacs of Turkey. We can talk about their democratic rights, needs and freedom to exercise religion. This is not easy. 10 years ago, people in this country were abstaining from declaring that they were Kurds. Now one of the channels of the state TV is broadcasting in Kurdish 24 hours a day. EU has become the most important motivator to achieve this.

Indicating that Croatia pursued a successful course in the EU accession process, Bagis said: "Before entering the room I asked a favour of the Croatian Chief Negotiator. I asked him not to forget to send the elevator taking them upstairs back down. Turkey will also take the same elevator. We are determined and we will go up to the top floor of the EU."

Stating that EU was very important as the engine of change in Turkey, Bagis said, there were still things to be done and many activities were currently continuing.

Bagis said that Turkey was preparing a document identifying Turkey's position in negotiations on Environment Chapter as of today, and continued as follows: "Most probably in December, during the Presidency of Sweden the environment chapter will be opened. Actually environment is a chapter generally left by the candidate countries to the end because it is very technical and costly. It is difficult to convince the NGOs, the parliament and the opposition parties with regard to this Chapter. However, we decided to negotiate this technical Chapter at this stage in order to express Turkey's sincerity, display Turkey's determination to continue the negotiations and its desire to be a part of the club of values. As a result of this process and this trip, our and your children will breathe a clean air, drink clean water and swim in safer seas. We do not do this just to please some people in Brussels or in the member countries. We are doing and will continue do this because Turkish people deserve a better life, Turkish people deserve to breathe a cleaner air."

Indicating that the progress achieved at least in 11 Chapters was included in the Report, Bagis said, "the waves are big today but we keep swimming and getting results."

Stating that today Southern Cypriots and Northern Cypriots were making trade with each other, exporting and importing to each other, Bagis continued as follows:

"We want other 26 EU Member States to do same thing. I mean, if Northern Cyprus and Southern Cyprus can make trade, other countries of the EU should make direct trade also. To open our ports, the only thing we expect is the start of the direct trade between EU countries and Northern Cyprus. Hristofyas and Talat may start negotiations with a very different solution but Turkey would support unconditionally the way of solution on which these two presidents come to a composition and convince their public opinion. Let us support and encourage these presidents to reach a solution which would bring peace to that beautiful island. Let us lend a hand to them for any solution to be reached at that island which is a beautiful place for all of us.

Kaynak: AA