ARTICLE OF BAGIS IN THE PARLIAMENT MAGAZINE

Minister for European Union Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis's article on Turkey's EU process was published in the European Parliament's journal, the Parliament Magazine.

Minister Bagis indicated that much had changed in the Union, and particularly in Turkey, since its first EU bid, which dated back to 1959, and even since the start of the country's accession negotiations in 2005.

Bagis said "Within the accession process, Turkey has undertaken significant reforms in a wide spectrum that ranges from rule of law and economy to fundamental freedoms and democracy. A judicial reform strategy and an anti-corruption strategy were launched. Progress was made regarding cultural rights, including the broadcasting of Turkish radio and television in Kurdish for 24 hours a day and radio broadcasting of TRT in Armenian."

Bagis reiterated Turkey's five expectations as "a fair negotiation process, the visa liberalization, solution to Cyprus issue, more concrete cooperation in the fight against terrorism, invitation to the EU summits" and added:

"Turkey believes that enlargement has been successful in the past and can be a success in the future, making the EU not only bigger, but politically and economically stronger. The message we want to convey to the Turkish and the European public is clear: the EU is stronger with Turkey in it. We are aware that membership will not happen over night; but it can and should happen when the EU criteria for accession is fulfilled. Turkey has the will and the European Union can make the way."

Source: AA