TURKISH TRADE MINISTER CRITICIZES EU "DOUBLE STANDARDS"
Anatolia news agency, Ankara, in English
30 Oct 06
Essen, 30 October: "Abatement of Turkish public’s interest in EU
membership is because of implementation of double standards towards
Turkey," Turkish Industry and Trade Minister Ali Coskun said on Monday
[30 October].
Speaking at inauguration of a symposium organized by the Turkish
Studies Centre in Germany’s Essen city, Coskun pointed to the
importance Turkey attaches to relations with EU.
"Turkish government will continue to carry out works on the way to
EU membership with patience and tolerance," Coskun indicated.
Coskun said EU’s double standards could be seen in stance of France
and at Cyprus question, noting that, "the Greek Cypriot party who voted
`No’ in the referendum in Cyprus was awarded with EU membership. Also
adoption of the bill on criminalizing denial of so-called Armenian
genocide by the French national assembly caused very big reactions
in Turkey."
"Such kind of double standards has certainly negative impacts on
Turkey," he added.
"With a trade volume exceeding 23 billion dollars, Germany is the
biggest trade partner of Turkey. Turkish enterprises in Germany are
also successful," Coskun stated.
Coskun will leave Germany for Turkey in the evening.