BERLIN - "There is no need for EU to be afraid of Turkey," said Turkish Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul, criticizing the discussions on Turkey's EU accession process that have been made in Europe.
Speaking to German daily Suddeutsche Zeitung during his visit to Germany between April 3rd and 4th, Gul remarked that Turkish people earlier extended full support to the country's EU bid, but there is not a great joy in regard to the EU membership in Turkey any longer due to discussions over Turkey in several European countries.
Noting that Turkey would have higher standards in regard to democracy and economy in time, Gul stressed that Turkey was recently ahead of many European countries in regard to the several matters.
Replying to a question, Gul underlined, "we amended some laws not to please the EU, but for Turkish people."
Answering a question on Germany's rotational presidency, Gul said, "we are glad over German's presidency. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier supports us. We consider that Turkey will begin negotiations on three or four more chapters till the end of June. We have completed our preparation on this matter."
Upon a question, FM Gul stated, "we want to amend the Article 301 (of Turkish Penal Code). What is important here is to change mentality."