U.N.D.P. Administrator Dervis In Bulgaria

SOFIA - Turkey, with its struggles as well as its art, has always been a part of Europe throughout the history, said Kemal Dervis, UN Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator, who is currently in Bulgaria to chair a conference in which participates representatives of UNDP from 24 European and Central Asian countries.
Regarding Turkey's integration to the EU, Dervis noted, "in global perspective, Turkey's integration is important both for Bulgaria and the region. Certainly, Turkey should record progress in many areas, i.e. cutting back the unemployment rate. On the other hand, Turkey as a Muslim country, should not be a concern for Europeans. Islam has an important place in Europe as well."
Noting that he wishes to see Turkey in the EU, Dervis expressed his belief that Turkey can bring dynamism and strength to Europe.