Wednesday, 4 November 2009Turkish President Abdullah Gul said Monday Turkey is ready to join the European Union but would accept the result of any referendum on its membership.
Gul spoke after meeting with President Ivan Gasparovic on Monday during a three-day visit to Slovakia.
"Turkey has to be given a chance to complete (full membership) accession negotiations," Gul said, adding the EU's credibility was at stake.
Turkey started membership talks with the EU in 2005 but some countries propose only limited membership, fearing problems with the Muslim country's integration into the 27-nation bloc.
Turkey is a NATO member and its current position is strengthened by the fact that it is an emerging regional player and a transit point for energy supplies heading west. It has improved ties with Greece, Syria, Russia and Black Sea and Arab neighbors, and mediated between Israel and Syria.
Gul said the EU should play by the rules and allow Turkey to complete accession talks.
"Of course there could be referenda held in various countries and we will respect the result of that ... but we cannot in any way accept any other status than full membership," he said.
On the subject of Afghanistan, both presidents said the emphasis now should shift from military action toward stabilization of the country's economy and self-governance.
"The citizens of Afghanistan will be convinced more by a new hospital, school or store, rather than a new soldier, Gasparovic said.
Turkey applied the EU (as EC at that time) in 1959. Turkey will be the first Muslim country in the EU if it is accepted as full member. Sarkozy and Merkel Governments have made efforts to keep Turkey outside considering the country as non-European. Turkey rejects the cultural and religious discrimination against the Turks in the EU. |
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
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