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

Anadolu Agency: 12/16/2004

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.
     (ES-A?

2004-12-16

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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress