FOUNDING TREATIES OF THE EU TRASLATED INTO TURKISH

Addressing the guests at the reception held in the Ortakoy office of EUSG in Istanbul for the introduction of the translations of the Treaty on the European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Minister for EU Affairs and the Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis said that they were translating into Turkish the Founding Treaties of the EU and the EU acquis, consisted of 120 thousand pages, which determine the current EU legislation.

Bagis noted that the translations of the Treaty on the EU and Treaty on the Functioning of the EU which are the fundamental documents of the EU acquis, would be a book which everyone will refer to.

Stating that these Treaties would be a part of Turkish law when Turkey became a member to the EU, Bagis said: "These Treaties have been translated into Turkish by the Translation Coordination Directorate of the EUSG. I would like to thank this Directorate."

Bagis pointed out that the book is a reference for all who are interested in issues such as "How the EU functions, what the EU is based on and with which values it functions". Bagis noted these:

"I would like to underline one issue which is more important than the launching of this book. As Turkey moves closer to the elections which will be held in 12 June, the introduction of a book related to the European Union proves how seriously we take the EU accession process. Yesterday was celebrated as Europe Day in whole Europe. The President of the European Commission Mr. Barosso celebrated Europe Day in one of the most beautiful cities of Europe. Turkey gives the best response in this election period to a political will which not only conducts politics over opposition to Turkey and Turkey's hopes for membership and incites their own citizens against Turkey, but also against their own streets, different belief groups in their streets and against their citizens of different ethnic origin. Neither the ruling party nor the opposing party in Turkey make the EU an issue for the elections. Turkey's determination may discontent narrow minded politicians and their followers in Europe but we will not apologize for this. These Treaties published in Turkish which is the language of sympathy and tolerance will enable us to understand the EU better. These Treaties will enable us to examine maybe a bit more with which values the EU functions."

After his speech Bagis presented a book to the Ambassador Marc Pierini, the President of the Delegation of the European Union to Turkey.

Source:AA