news.am, Armenia
Nov 28 2009

All our citizens are equal: Bagis

13:15 / 11/28/2009Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen
Bagis replied to one of the Turkish papers, commenting on hiring
Armenian for a key public post. Turkish Hurriyet quotes Bagis as
saying, `We will implement the project with the efforts of young, old,
rich and poor, Armenians, Jewish and Muslims. A 340-member delegation
should be formed, which is already approved by Turkish parliament. We
have conducted admission exams and 118 citizens already took a written
test. While recruiting people, we do not pay attention to their
ethnic, religious or political views. All our citizens are equal.’

As NEWS.am reported previously, Turkey finally decided to hire Turkish
citizen of Armenian origin Leo Suren Alepli for a key public post. For
the first time a decision was made to employ Armenian as an expert in
EU General Secretariat under State Minister of EU Affairs and Chief
Negotiator Egemen Bagis. Out of 115 contenders, Suren should get
through the appropriate exams. Final decision depends on National
Security Service of Turkey (MIT). After passing all stages, Suren will
hold the post in delegation of negotiations for EU membership.