BAGIS AND FULE WITH TURKISH AND EUROPEAN JOURNALISTS

Stating that they were pleased with the steps taken by the European Union (EU) countries in fight against terrorism, but steps in the EU must be taken with more seriousness, Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis said "Leaders and sympathizers of the terrorist organization can still stay in EU countries by using democratic gaps and good intentions."

Egemen Bagis and EU Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy Stefan Fule came together with journalists from Turkey and the EU at a working breakfast.

Bagis noted the following about the latest terrorist attacks:

"Such acts of terror are efforts to destroy the democratic expansion. But the government will not permit this. Terror will not win. We are pleased with the steps taken by the European Union (EU) countries in fight against terrorism, but steps in the EU must be taken with more seriousness. Leaders and sympathizers of the terrorist organization can still stay in some EU countries by using democratic gaps and good intentions."

Also wishing that the EU provide more support in fight against terrorism, and indicating that the EU is the coordinator in counter-terrorism, Bagis said that EU counter-terrorism Coordinator Gilles De Kerchove may meet with the Undersecretary of Public Order and Security Muammer Guler in this context.

Mentioning the EU membership process of Turkey, Bagis gave this message: "We are determined in the negotiations and reform process. We are doing all we can." Bagis underlined that the reform process continued and the Turkish Parliament recently adopted a package on Constitutional amendments. Bagis said, "September 12 is a milestone. This date will be an important turning point in Turkey-EU relations."

In reference to the issue of EU and visas, Bagis said, "Our goal is not visa facilitation; our goal is the liberalization of visa procedure. Turkey will do all she can on this issue."

In the meeting Stefan Fule also said that the continuation of Turkey's EU membership process and promotion of negotiations was important for EU's dignity and prestige and this issue was under the responsibility of EU.

In the meeting stating that he wanted to offer condolence on behalf of the EU Commission to the family members of those killed in the terrorist attack in Hakkari, Fule also wanted to offer condolence to those killed in the attack on ships carrying aid material to Gaza.

Source:AA