BAGIS CONGRATULATES GERMAN PEOPLE ONCE AGAIN

Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator, Egemen Bagis made a written statement on the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall.

In his statement, Bagis expressed that as May 9; November 9 was also a cornerstone for the Europe's integration history. He added that Turkey, which had been at the Western camp during the Cold War period and which had struggled for the prevalence of the global values, and the hardworking Turkish workers, who had had a hand in the development of the Western Germany of the time, contributed to the fall of the Berlin wall.

Bagis congratulated the friendly and allied German people again and stated that the fall of the Berlin wall had ended the East and West separation in Europe, had paved the way for the integration of the people who share the same history and values, and who wanted to be together in the common future. Bagis also declared that the 10 countries which were known as the Eastern Bloc countries became EU members then, and that the European history had gathered pace.

Bagis remarked that the Berlin wall representing the separation of the East and the West engraved deep traces and sufferings in the European history. He added:

"Today, there are some people with the mentality that a similar wall should be built between the North and the South of Europe or a new Eastern part should be established. Not providing an open perspective for Turkey and for the Balkan countries in their EU processes would represent an ideological wall between the north and the south or the east and the west of Europe, depending on the standpoint. With its contributions, Turkey follows an integrationist policy and continues to pursue an attitude in favour of solution for all the problems of our continent.

The ones who claim that the last wall in Europe is in Cyprus should remember that the green line was not drawn by Turkey, border crossing started with the decision of the Turkish Cypriot side, and the Annan plan which was the greatest step towards solution so far was supported by the Turkish side."

Minister for EU Affairs, Bagis also stated: "Turkey continues to support the comprehensive negotiations for solution in Cyprus. At the same time, considering the reforms realized determinedly under the leadership of the Prime Minister Erdogan, progress achieved in the accession negotiations, and the contributions made to the integration of Europe in every field from economy to foreign policy; Turkey will not allow a wall tried to be built between herself and the EU".

Source: AA