MINISTER BAGIS VISITS MUNICH

Following his official visits in Munich, Germany, Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis replied the questions of Turkish journalists and made an evaluation on his visits.

Minister Bagis participated in the conference titled “Europe's Digital Life Design Conference” held in Munich and afterwards he met with Barbara Stamm, the President of the Bavarian Parliament and Christian Ude, Mayor of Munich. After his visits Minister Bagis replied the questions of the journalists.

Upon a question about the expectations on whether a solution would be found for the Cyprus issue during the Greek Cypriot Term Presidency, Bagis said, “If there is settlement before the Greek Cypriot Term Presidency, we will gladly come together with the “United Cyprus”, opening chapters to negotiations. If the half-state in the island claims that it is the president of a peace project like the one in Europe, we won’t come to the same table with them. Our relations will continue with the Commission but we won’t take serious the claims stating that such a state represents 500 million Europeans. As you know, the statesmen in Turkey turn over their positions to children's representatives on 23rd April Children’s Day; we will consider the Term Presidency of Greek Cypriot Administration likewise.”

Upon a question on whether the murders by right extremists are on the agenda during the talks, Minister Bagis stated that he addressed this issue during the talks held with Barbara Stamm, the President of the Bavarian Parliament, and that they attached great importance to it, and they were closely following the investigations. Minister Bagis also said, “We attach utmost importance to the investigations about the murders by right extremists.”

Bagis touched upon the integration issue and said “It is time for the dual citizenship to be discussed in Germany. People cannot easily give up being the citizens of their own country. Because of this reason, right to dual citizenship should be given to these people. This issue is also for the benefit of Germany. By acting in this way, Germany can make use of the potential of 3 million people.”

Source: AA