STATEMENT BY EGEMEN BAGIS IN THE AFTERMATH OF ELECTIONS IN TURKEY

Making a written statement to the European Parliament, Council of the European Union, European Commission and all the relevant think tanks and non-governmental organizations in the EU member countries, Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis said "The vote shows the support for stability, advanced democracy, and prosperity".

In his statement Bagis said the following:

Turkey has completed yet another proud election process and the Turkish electorate gave its strong endorsement to our AK Party. We are proud of our landslide victory and proud of Turkey's strong democratic credentials.

The vote shows the support for stability, advanced democracy, and prosperity. From this point on, we are determined to continue our European Union accession through extensive reforms, with a strong emphasis on the rule of law, individual liberties and prosperity.

Our government's determination is also emboldened by the recent establishment of a full-fledged Ministry for European Union Affairs. We are calling on all opposition parties to sincerely support and contribute to Turkey's EU transformation. One of the first things to undertake in the post-election period is to adopt a civilian constitution based on national consensus. This constitution will also mark an important step for our EU accession process. I hope the opposition parties will constructively participate in both drafting and debating. From this point on, not only the government's, but also the oppositions' democratic credentials will be tested.

For the EU, we are expecting a fair negotiation process in line with mutual commitments. We are hoping that Turkey's accession process can be shielded from short-sighted domestic politics. Turkey is ready to contribute so that the EU can remain globally relevant and prosperous. Turkey is also aware that its EU process is under the watch of the Muslim world.

Another issue that should soon be resolved is the visa policy against Turkish citizens.

I'd like to reiterate our goal of meeting the membership criteria by end-2013. I hope we will celebrate the Turkish Republic's 2023 centennial, as a strong EU member.