"THIS PEACE PROJECT CAN'T BE CONSIDERED COMPLETE WITHOUT TURKEY'S MEMBERSHIP"

Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis delivered a speech at the 6th Bosphorus Conference which was held in the Ciragan Palace. In his speech Bagis indicated that European Union was the greatest peace project of humanity and said, "This peace project can't be considered complete without Turkey's membership".

Pointing out that membership issue brought people from every part of the society together and that Turkey's accession was very important for the EU and peace, Bagis continued as follows:

"EU is the greatest peace project of humanity. Thanks to this project, countries which were once enemies are united today. Look! I say to the French ‘Look, you live together with the British. So why can't you live with us as well?' This peace project can't be considered complete without Turkey's membership. Turkey's accession to the EU will be to the benefit of both sides."

Bagis noted that Europe's turning a global actor and its being efficient in the international issues depended on the realisation of membership of Turkey and said, "I believe that EU won't be a great actor without Turkey."

Egemen Bagis stated that Turkey made substantial contributions to the EU's security and defence policies and that Turkey was involved in the operations in Balkans, Africa and various parts of the world.

Bagis emphasised that Turkey took part in the Black Sea synergy and it was a part of the Mediterranean Union and that however none of these could replace expectations towards the EU.

Noting that in addition to memberships in more than 40 international organisations, Turkey was an observer member of the Organization of American States, Bagis reminded that Turkey, which was in close relationships with the neighbouring countries, co-chaired the Alliance of Civilizations Project, along with Spain.

Source: AA