SABANCý: TURKISH ECONOMY MAY BECOME GROWTH ENGINE OF EUROPE
The New Anatolian
Oct 5 2006
Turkish Industrialists & Businessmen Association (TUSÝAD) Chairman
Omer Sabancý has stated that Turkey could not be a member of the
European Union without convincing the European public opinion, and
added "Truths about Turkey should be told. A fair evaluation should
be made. Turkey’s membership in EU is an additional value for all.
Turkish economy may become growth engine of Europe. " TUSÝAD Chairman
delivered a speech in Paris, France at a panel titled ‘Global
Challenges of Europe and Turkey’ within the scope of Turkish Week.
Reminding that the TUSÝAD demanded the abolition of article 301 of
the Turkish Penal Code within the context of freedom of _expression,
Sabancý went on to say, "When we make steps toward more freedom
of _expression, I cannot comprehend the attitude on freedom of
_expression in France", referring to recent attempts in France
to legislate a prohibition on any speech against alleged Armenian
Genocide issue. Sabancý added he thinks such an attitude befitted a
country fearing the truths.
Minister Tuzmen’s speech At the same panel State Minister for Foreign
Trade Kurþat Tuzmen also delivered a speech.
Regarding Turkish economy, Tuzmen said, "Turkey made more than half
of its foreign trade (which will exceed 200 billion USD in 2006 in
grand total) with Europe this year, and France is very important in
this regard."
"Our economic performance is better than many EU countries especially
the new EU members. We are the fastest growing country of Europe in
the last three years. We catch the highest speed in export increase
not only in Europe but also in OECD. Turkey’s EU membership will be
for the interest of both our country and the EU," Tuzmen noted.
He said that Turkey will have important contributions to increase EU
economy’s competitive power as well as dynamism.
–Boundary_(ID_+wDnQ/bsuUGMgYJkttKsaw)- –
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
