EGEMEN BAGIS EXPLAINS THE SOLUTION PROCESS

Regarding the European Union’s approach to the solution process, Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis said “The EU is of the opinion that the solution process is one of the most important steps taken by Turkey.” 

During the Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) Kizilcahamam camp, Egemen Bagis participated in a TV program, “Baskent Kulisi” at Channel 7and he replied questions on various issues.

After a question regarding the on-going solution process, Bagis indicated that actually the process had begun on 3 November 2002, the date when the AKP came into power. Bagis said, “The solution ensures all Turkish Republic citizens can feel equal citizens of this country regardless of their ethnic identities, political views, native languages and beliefs as the party programme as being published in the AK Party’s foundation and promised in all election declarations up to today.”

Regarding the European Union’s approach to the solution process Bagis said:

“The EU is of the opinion that the solution process is one of the most important steps taken by Turkey which stands out as sweeping off the trouble of terrorism and stopping the bloodshed and tears shed by Turkey until today. When the EU observes Turkey as a candidate country and a potential member state, it observes Turkey as a country to conflict in itself, shed blood, cannot establish peace in itself. The image that we gave them is it. Now, with this solution process, besides its economic potential, young and dynamic energy, geographical proximity to the energy resources, Turkey can ensure civil peace in itself and can be careful about the contributions both for itself, its region and the EU which it is soon to be a part of.”

Implying that the EU membership process and the solution process should not be thought apart, Minister Bagis said that Turkey does not face any division risk, Turkish or any other under is not under threat, the subject that Abdullah Ocalan would be released is not on the agenda.