"FROM THIS MOMENT ON, NOBODY CAN KEEP TURKEY FROM PROGRESSING IN THE EU PATH"

Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis stated that the European Parliament did not have the authority to obstruct Turkey's accession negotiations.

In his speech at the 4th Turkish-Arab Economy Forum organized by the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) Bagis stated that Turkey also lived the economic distress as the whole world but felt it less when compared to the other countries. He added that we should work together to overcome the negative effects of the economic constriction.

Bagis expressed that his participation in that forum was extremely meaningful for him; he added: "when the shareholders list of the leading banks, automotive firms, shopping malls or football teams of Europe is checked, it is seen that the Arabian and the Middle East capital has an important place in Europe and play an important role in the decision mechanisms."

Bagis declared that Turkey was the most western country in the Orient and the most oriental country in the West. He added: "We are not only a bridge between the two continents but also a bridge between the civilizations, cultures and mentalities, energy sources and energy demand, the unemployed and those lacking labour force. Because of all these, Turkey's EU process is closely followed up by not only Turkish citizens and people of the EU countries but also by the Asian countries nearly in the whole geography."

Bagis said that Turkey was decisively progressing in the EU process. Bagis added: "This is a decisively progressing process. Up to now 10 chapters have been opened and one was closed. Turkey's strengthening relations with the EU countries and institutions, does not mean that its relations with the Arab world and other countries in different continents get weaker. On the contrary, these relations make us stronger."

Bagis stated that they attached great importance to cooperate with the opposition in that period when there would be no elections. He continued:

"I want to call out the leaders of the opposition party who deliver political speeches on the EU and who say that Turkey's EU process is a state policy supported by them. Let's pave the EU way for Turkey. Let's pave the way for the billions of people hopeful from Turkey. Let's ensure a judicial reform befitting Turkey and pass the political parties law. Let's take the steps together for the development of Turkey."

Bagis said: "Now the economic depression is decelerated. Time to pass this law gets closer. I want to emphasize that the parties reach a compromise among them and take the necessary steps together to pave the way for Turkey".

Minister for EU Affairs, Bagis added:

"European Parliament does not have the authority to obstruct Turkey's accession negotiations. Decisions of the European Parliament are considered as recommendations. These can discourage Turkey or affect the motivation positively but cannot directly affect Turkey. There may be politicians who want to exploit the results of the elections; but as long as they have the desire to exploit, they have always found a reason for that and will find so. I believe that we as Turkey should not be affected greatly by them. There will be many countries and politicians who want Turkey to throw in the towel. Bu I think that we should progress patiently and gracefully by taking the steps decisively and by standing without becoming obstinate."

Bagis said: "Turkey is a member of the Custom's Union, the founding member of many European institutions and also member of all the European institutions except the EU. Turkey takes its place in the EU with its 6 million citizens in Europe. Hereafter, nobody can keep Turkey back from its EU process. Efforts to detain Turkey from her aim will be useless."

Stating that all the countries starting the negotiations completed it and recalling the fact that Turkey also started the negotiations Bagis added:

"What was difficult is to start negotiations. That took 45 years. But as every country starting the negotiations Turkey will also complete them. Turkey's EU train is on the track. Nobody will have the power to lead Turkey astray. We will not be tricked in this way."

Resource: AA