"WE ACT AS AN INTERCULTURAL BRIDGE"

Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis delivered a lecture in the conference "Turkish Membership and a Stronger EU", organized in the International Centre for Black Sea Studies in Athens, Greece. Bagis addressed the Greek-Turkey relations, Turkey's EU process, illegal immigration, Turkey's reform process and the Cyprus issue.

Bagis pointed to a "new era" in Greek-Turkish relations, to be established in cooperation with the strong governments of Turkey and Greece. He added that in achieving this aim, the vision and experience of the Greek Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Yorgo Papandreu were very valuable.

Bagis stated that Turkey was ready to discuss everything overtly, and in line with that view, Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan had sent a letter to Papandreu. Bagis declared that in the mentioned letter, Prime Minister expressed his sincere belief in establishing a welfare and stability atmosphere in the Eastern Mediterranean region, with the common efforts of the two governments and their dedication to focus their efforts on this aim. Bagis added: "Besides, Prime Minister, Erdogan proposed to establish a High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council which proved to be useful for the development of good relations with some of the other neighbours. It is doubtless that both Turkey and Greece will benefit a lot from such kind of a strategic vision. To achieve this aim, it is important to continue high-level visits".

Bagis also declared that in his letter, Prime Minister, Erdogan had addressed the topics like minorities, illegal immigration, Turkey-EU relations and the Cyprus issue.

Pointing to the Turkey's EU process, Bagis said: "We want to be a part of the solution, not the problem". He added: "Turkey's accession is a win-win situation"

Bagis emphasized that Turkey was also a member of the Council of Europe, NATO, OECD, G-20 and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference; and added that Turkey was situated at a unique location in the Balkans, Black Sea and the Mediterranean. Moreover, Bagis underlined that synagogues, mosques and churches had been existing together peacefully in Turkey.

Bagis stated that Turkey attended all the peace initiatives and had acted as a mediator and facilitator in many occasions. As for the talks that Turkey is changing its direction, Bagis said: "We act as an intercultural bridge. Can there be a bridge with only one sound leg? We want to be a bridge that is strong enough to trust".

Speaking also on the illegal immigration, Bagis noted that this issue was complex and multi-faceted. He added that there was no quick solution to this problem; and the solidarity, responsibility and the burden related with this issue should be shared internationally.

In his speech, Bagis also stated his desire for the solution of the Cyprus issue. He added: "Peace and stability is a must for Cyprus. Turkey wants to reach a compromise at the beginning of the next year and in spring, through simultaneous referendums, to present the issue for the approval of the parties".

Bagis remarked that if a fair, permanent and comprehensive solution was found, the two motherlands, guarantor countries could bring cooperation, stability and welfare to this part of Europe, based on this new partnership.

Bagis declared the expectation that Athens and the EU should encourage the Greek Cypriot leader, Dimitris Hristofyas for solution, as Turkey encouraged the TRNC President, Mehmet Ali Talat.

Source: AA