EUROPE DAY MESSAGE FROM MINISTER OF EU AFFAIRS AND CHIEF NEGOTIATOR BAGIS

Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Bagis said that EU project of our country was one of the most important steps to be taken on the way to reaching the level of modern civilisation, the target established by the founder of our republic, the Great Leader Ataturk.

Bagis, in his message issued for 9 May European Day said: "Today we celebrate the anniversary of Schuman Declaration dated 9 May 1950 which constitutes the basis of the idea of European integration which is one of the most important peace projects in the history."

Indicating that European integration process was a success story in world political history improving from Coal and Steel Community to Customs Union and from single Market to Economic and Monetary Union, Bagis said: "However it is criticised, the European Union provides half a billion people a more democratic, prosperous and secure life with free transport opportunities, common currency and open borders.

In his message, Bagis said: "EU project of our country was one of the most important steps to be taken on the way to reaching the level of modern civilisation, the target established by the founder of our republic, the Great Leader Ataturk. In fact, Ataturk was amongst the first leaders who spoke about European integration in 1930s when there were gloomy circumstances in the world. More importantly, he looked on the idea with favour considering Turkey. "

Bagis stated: "Half century has passed since 1959 when Turkey applied for partnership to European Economic Community by the leadership of the deceased Prime Minister Adnan Menderes. We spent many efforts but at the same time we lost too much time. From now on, it is hard to bear any loss in time." In his message he declared: "If we want to attain a European life style and democracy, we shouldn't forget the fact that each individual within the nation should undertake responsibilities and should be ready to make sacrifices."

Emphasizing his belief, as the Minister for EU Affairs and the Chief Negotiator, in Turkey's full membership to EU at the end of the negotiations, Bagis stated that this belief based on solid foundations.

Stating also that the economic, political and social contributions of the both parties rendered the integration unavoidable, Bagis noted these:

"It is my expectation to see a positive reaction from the European leaders in return for the couregaus and discreet leadership performed by Turkey under the leadership of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. I believe that the European leaders who are discreet, wouldn't take serious some imaginary proposals such as 'privileged partnership' that are trying to be imposed to Turkey. For, neither Turkey, nor Europe has the luxury of missing the opportunity of Turkey's membership to EU."

Bagis completed his message with the statement: "I would like to celebrate 9 May, Europe Day of Turkey and all European nations."

Resource: AA