THE ANNIVERSARY OF TURKEY'S FULL MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Delivering a written message on the occasion of the anniversary of Turkey's full membership application to the European Community, the Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis indicated that the April, 14 was one of the historical steps of Turkey in the EU journey.

In the view of the Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's aim to reach the level of contemporary civilization, noting that the EU accession process was the biggest modernisation Project after the proclamation of the Republic; Bagis said "Turgut Ozal has been one of the most important leaders of the Turkish democracy history. Through his political approach which placed the individual in the centre he not only ensured the revision of traditional statist mentality in Turkey but also revived this Project by applying for membership to the then named European Economic Community in1987."

Indicating that foreseeing the difficulties which would be encountered, Ozal likened this process to 'a long and thin path', Bagis said these:

"We also continue to proceed with determination 'on that long and thin path' under the leadership of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan who provided historic impetus to our European Union process.

I hope that people, who opposed him in the past and now feel sympathy for him, will give the same support sincerely to the Turkey's EU process. 3 days after, namely 17 April is the 18th death anniversary of the great statesman and a man of the people. On this occasion I once again remember the late Ozal with mercy, gratitude and profound respect."