ISTANBUL - State Minister Ali Babacan said on Monday that the most important target for Turkey was to start European Union (EU) membership negotiations. ''The period from starting of EU membership negotiations till full membership process can be long. It can be five years, seven years or perhaps ten years...We do not have much concern about this period. We have been patient and we can continue to be patient. The important thing is to close the gap.''
Babacan delivered a speech in the opening of German-Turkish Economy Forum which was held by German-Turkish Trade and Industry Chamber upon the visit of German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder to Turkey.
Recalling that economic relations of Turkey and Germany were rooted in the past, Babacan stressed that Turkish citizens, who had gone to Germany during economic progress period of Germany, had made significant contributions and taken part in German economy.
Noting that first agenda item of Turkish government was EU membership process recently, Babacan said that the progress which Turkey had made both in political and economic fields until today was appreciated very much.
Babacan said that Turkey was on the beginning of this path and added that Turkey would further focus on reforms on economic and legal fields.
Noting that those reforms would have an important place in relations with the EU, Babacan said, ''we are supporting this issue with an important political will. The progress we have made in democracy, human rights, freedoms and economy fields may start to go backwards after a while. We want to carry reform process in Turkey to an unreturnable process. Not leaving the process, not going out from the path and progressing in the process by reaching targets one by one are very important for us. At the moment, the most important target for us is to start negotiations. The period from starting of EU membership negotiations till full membership can be long. It can be five years, seven years or perhaps ten years...We do not have much concern about this period. We have been patient and we can continue to be patient. The important thing is to close the gap. The important thing is that both EU and Turkey should want Turkey's full membership at the time when Turkey becomes a full member.''
Noting that the government attributed very much importance to consistency and continuity, Babacan said that they believed that they brought foresight to Turkey especially in the aspect of business world.
Babacan said that EU membership process could be long, but it was important to put policies into practice in a consistent and stable way.
Noting that the biggest political problem in Turkey until now was that continuity could not be provided and programs were interrupted especially in coalition periods, Babacan said that the program, which was now being implemented, would be completed in the end of this month and thus, for the first time a program would be completed on time as it was planned.
Babacan said that the government had very good relations with business world and they especially met with non-governmental organizations frequently which were representing the business world, adding, ''we are certainly trying to reach a consensus before we take a step.''
Babacan said that Turkey has been in an important transition process and it had importance both for regional countries and for Europe with its location.
Babacan said, ''EU has to attribute more importance to this region in long term for its own security and stability. We believe that Turkey is now a hand of Europe, and especially of EU, reaching to this region.
Noting that Germany had a significant place and influence in EU, Babacan said that they appreciated the support of Germany, which also had very special relations with Turkey, in EU membership process of Turkey.
Babacan said that Germany's support to Turkey would be strengthened with the help of businessmen and would reach to a better stage.
(GC-AÖ) 23.02.2004