WE BELIEVE THAT SOLUTIONS CAN BE FOUND THROUGH DIALOGUE AND DIPLOMACY

Speaking at the opening dinner of the annual meeting of the European Policy Institutions Network which was organised by Centre for Economic and Foreign Policy Studies (EDAM) within the framework of EU Communication Strategy, Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis commented on the issues on the agenda.

Egemen Bagis stated that Turkey wanted an international independent investigation commission to be established over Israel's attack on the flotilla carrying aid to Gaza and expected an apology from Israel.

Indicating that Turkey and Turkish people had no hostile attitudes towards Israeli people, Bagis stated that some rulers and leaders were responsible for the things happened and that leaders were changed but state and people were permanent.

Minister for EU Affairs Bagis said, "Turkey is aware that peace can't be brought to the Middle East unless the Israel-Palestinian problem is solved. Turkey supports a two-state solution based on security".

Noting that the role played by Turkey and Brazil in finding a peaceful solution to the nuclear crisis with Iran was basically a method desired by everyone, Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis said:

"We believe that radical solutions can be found to the problems through dialogue and diplomacy. There is no shift in Turkey's axis. Turkey is the most easterner of the west and the most westerner of the east. She must be active in every rregion. This multidimensional foreign policy of Turkey shouldn't be considered as ‘a shift in her axis.' Turkey is the key to the solution to various problems and difficulties the EU faced and will face. Turkey plays a decisive role in overcoming the global economic crisis, in the fight against terrorism and illegal immigration and in increasing the energy safety. Turkey continues the EU accession negotiations with determination. On the other hand it introduces political reforms which will be to the benefit of its own people. At the moment the important thing is Turkey's membership and accession process. This process is just as important as the result but what should be concentrated on now is the process. Ensuring the continuation of this process is to the benefit of everyone".

Noting that Turkey's attitude wasn't directed towards Israeli people, Bagis stated that there was no difference of opinion on such issues among the parties in Turkey and that accordingly there were common points in the statements made by almost everyone on this issue including the leaders of different political parties without discriminating against easterner or westerner, young or old, Alevi or Sunni. Bagis said, "Because the attack is really a terror piracy, it is extremely inhuman. It is an attack on the civilian ships in international waters. It hurt the conscience of all 72 million citizens in Turkey and depressed all of us."

Minister for EU Affairs Bagis said that for the first time after a long while, a message of condemnation was issued unanimously with the participation of all parties in the TGNA yesterday and that this clearly showed the sensitivity of the society.

Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt also stated that as the EU member states they strongly condemned the attack and their demand for the release of hostages was met and that they still demanded a probe into this act by independent parties.

Source: AA