TURKEY'S EU ACCESSION IS BENEFICIAL FOR THE ALL PARTIES

Speaking at the "Media and Economic Forum" which was held at Istanbul Lutfi Kirdar Convention and Exhibition Center by Turkish-Italian Friendship Union, Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis said that prejudice was the major obstacle in the way of Turkey's EU accession.

Stating that people got suspicious and even frightened when they didn't have enough information about each other, Bagis said this was the case in Turkey's EU relations and added "We should remember that this integration would be beneficial for both parts. EU accession is not a political issue in Turkey; every party coming to power in Turkey would support the EU accession."

Bagis stated that Italy was the country which made the highest increase in its bilateral trade with Turkey in the last 8 years and that both countries supported each other on issues of defense, international efforts and objectives.

Mentioning the terrorism incidents also, Bagis reminded that more than 20 EU-Ambassadors attended the martyred soldiers' funeral in Van, which was a good indicator of EU's perspective on Turkey.

Stating that Turkey needed a closer cooperation in fight against terrorism, Bagis said "Our fight against terrorism and our determination to promote individual rights is continuing. We know that nobody would be safe unless we are all safe."

Source: AA