BAGIS CRITICISED SARKOZY

Before his departure to Bosnia Herzegovina, at Ataturk Airport, answering a question of the press regarding the statement of Nicolas Sarkozy, the French President who has declared that “the attitude of France towards Turkey’s EU membership has not changed and France does not see Turkey eligible for the EU”, Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis stated that Mr. Sarkozy has made such declaration with concerns regarding internal politics.

Bagis reminded that he has answered Mr. Sarkozy’s comment on the alleged genocide claims and continued as follows:

“One of the opposition parties in Turkey made a declaration about my answer to Mr. Sarkozy. I hereby would like to address them now. Let us make statements in a language that is understandable by the Europeans and which can impress them. Their chauvinist approach has never provided any benefits. However, the French public opinion is well aware of the fact that Mr. Sarkozy is in serious trouble with managing the economy of his own country. Both the French and the European public opinion understand that in a period when the future of the EU is being discussed, there is a need for a new vision and new initiatives.”

Indicating that the ones who misuse Turkey in their election campaigns would come out losers, Bagis said: “Turkey is not an EU member today; however it is the 15th greatest economy in the world and the 6th in Europe. It has the youngest, most dynamic and a well educated population.”

Source: AA