A LETTER TO THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis stated that Turkey was still committed and competent in its EU harmonization process, in a letter that appeared in the Daily Telegraph.

In his letter titled "Turkey at Europe's gate", Bagis highlighted that the AK Party government took determined reforming steps such as the latest constitutional reform package on the path to the EU membership and stated that Turkey's goal was to join the EU as a full, respected member.

As a response to London Mayor Boris Johnson's article titled "Turkey is taking off, but with Heathrow our wings are clipped" that appeared on the Daily Telegraph on the 2nd of August, Bagis wrote a letter and said "a European Capital of Culture of 2010, Istanbul is a global gateway and a centre which unites the trade routes, cultures and continents."

Bagis indicated that some of the statements of Europe disappointed the Turkish public and emphasized Turkey's determination on the path to the EU.

In his letter, Bagis said the following:

"I read cousin Boris Johnson's article titled "Turkey is taking off, but with Heathrow our wings are clipped" with great interest. Istanbul – a European Capital of Culture of 2010 – is a global gateway: a centre of trade routes, cultures and continents. We are not in a competition with London or any other European capital.

Our goals include joining the EU as a full, respected member. We certainly are aware of some discouraging noise from Europe. Cyprus and other excuses are indeed disappointing the Turkish public. Turkey is committed and competent, and my government is taking determined reforming steps – such as the latest constitutional amendment package – in alignment with European standards. We cherish our connections with other EU capitals, and we are determined to solidify them with full EU membership."

In his article titled "Turkey is taking off, but with Heathrow our wings are clipped" that appeared on the Daily Telegraph, London Mayor Boris Johnson addressed Turkey's development and stated that Istanbul's ‘gleaming' airport was a symbol of a nation going places.

Source: AA