Erdogan: Turkey’s Accession Into The E.U. Will Result In Compromise
Of Civilizations

Anadolu Agency
Dec 17 2004

BRUSSELS (AA) – In a meeting with Turkish columnists in Brussels,
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated that Turkey’s
accession into the European Union will result in compromise of
civilizations. ”Our European friends are aware of the role Turkey
can play in harmonizing relations between civilizations. There are
now many European circles that look at Turkish membership as crucial
and absolutely necessary,” told Erdogan.
In response to a question on Turkey-Armenia relations, Erdogan
replied that if and when a positive approach is witnessed from the
Armenian side, Turkey would be ready to open its border gate with
Armenia. ”Whatever took place in history must remain in history. We
must build our new world on peace. We are positive towards Armenia.
We want national borders be respected. We have made Turkish air space
available to Armenian commercial planes. There is no reason as to why
we should not open the border gate as well. However, we want to see
the same positive attitude from the Armenian side as well. An
important part of Azerbaijan is still under Armenian military
occupation. This fact should not be ignored and forgotten,” said
Erdogan.
Erdogan said Turkey is prepared for a temporary ban on the free
movement of Turks in EU countries. ”Yet a permanent ban on the free
movement of Turkish nationals would be against the EU laws and
regulations.”
In reference to the issue of Cyprus, Erdogan remarked that
Turkey is ready to discuss Cyprus during its entry talks with the EU.

He noted that it would mean failure of all efforts if EU leaders
put a text which they would not say ”yes” on the table. ”I hope
they won’t,” he added.
Turkey expects the formal announcement on the conclusion of the
EU summit tomorrow (Friday) at 13.00 hours. ”It would be wrong to
declare the summit’s decision as victory. We must not be spoiled by
our success. Furthermore, a possible negative summit decision should
not be viewed as a big disaster. Whatever the decision at the summit,
Turkey can continue to develop on its own feet,” expressed Erdogan.