Negotiator tells EU committee of Turkey’s “silent revolution”

Anatolia news agency, Ankara
12 Jul 05

Brussels, 12 July: Turkish State Minister and chief negotiator Ali
Babacan has indicated today that a silent revolution is taking place
in Turkey. “We are taking giant steps by making political and economic
reforms possible. Our ultimate goal is EU membership,” told Babacan.

Addressing the European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee, Babacan
said that the Turkish economy will soon come to a point desired by the
EU. “We have established an atmosphere of economic security and
stability. Turkey’s accession into the EU would make the EU a global
power,” noted Babacan.

Babacan remarked that the communication and dialogue between the
peoples of Turkey and the EU must be developed.

Asked about the present situation in southeast Turkey, Babacan replied
that the fight against terror requires international cooperation and
struggle. “The international support in the fight against terrorism is
currently not at the desired level,” stressed Babacan.

Minister Babacan expressed that Turkey will begin entry talks with the
EU on 3 October. “Any formula other than full membership in the EU
would be unaccept able,” reiterated Babacan.

Babacan indicated that the Turkish economy has overcome many
difficulties in the past three years. “The inflation figure in Turkey
last year was 9.3 per cent. In 2005, inflation will be below 8 per
cent in Turkey,” said Babacan.

Babacan pointed out that Turkey pays high attention to foreign
investors.

Babacan stressed that there have not been any delays in certain
reforms in Turkey. “The reform process has not slowed in Turkey. We
pay high regard to the practical implementation of reforms. We need
more time for all reforms. We have the political will and public
support for upcoming reforms,” noted Babacan.

In response to a question on the additional protocol of the Ankara
Agreement, Babacan replied that Turkey will soon sign the additional
protocol of the Ankara Agreement. “Turkish Cypriots have supported the
Annan Plan. The problem in Cyprus arises from Greek Cypriot
unwillingness and attitude. No one should doubt Turkey’s resolve to
find a lasting solution in Cyprus,” told Babacan.

Minister Babacan mentioned that, as Premier Erdogan said earlier, the
so-called Armenian genocide must be left to the research of historians
and international experts. “We are surprised by the decision of some
parliaments on the Armenian issue,” stated Babacan.