BERLIN - Turkish Ambassador in Berlin Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik said on Wednesday that Turkey's being a member of the European Union (EU) would not bring any burden on the Union.
Irtemcelik delivered a speech in a conference entitled, ''Turkey's strategic importance in its region and EU relations'' which was held by Southeast Europe Association in Munich.
Stating that Turkey would be a reliable partner for the EU, he said, ''Turkey's membership to the EU will not bring any burden on the Union. Turkey does not expect any favor. If a peaceful world is wanted, it should not be forgotten that Turkey is a model for all Muslim countries in its region and it will play a leading role.''
Irtemcelik said that Turkey's relations with Germany and the Union should be carried on by a realistic and intimate dialogue which did not include any prejudice and stated that if Europe wanted to play an important role in globalizing world, it should take a decision on Turkey's membership to the EU without carrying out any double standard.
Stressing that Turkey took very important steps that could be considered as reforms and no one should have any doubt that Turkey would remove its shortcomings, he said, ''EU is strategic target of Turkey. When this target is reached, Europe will go further together with Turkey.''
Concerning attacks in Istanbul, Irtemcelik said that attacks in Istanbul targeted democratic Islam identity of Turkey.
Upon a question on a view that if Turkey became a member of the Union, there would be increase in the number of people who migrated Europe, he said that there was no need for such concerns.
(EÖ-AÖ) 03.12.2003