ROME - "I believe that Turkey will be a full member of the European Union (EU) at the end of a long process," Italian Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Massimo D`Alema said on Monday.
In an exclusive interview with the A.A correspondent prior to his scheduled 2-day visit to Turkey, D`Alema said, "Italy supports Turkey`s EU bid. Turkey`s EU membership overlaps fundamental interests of Europe."
Expressing his willingness for the resolution of the Cyprus problem, D`Alema said, "in our opinion, Turkey should fulfill its commitments for EU member countries also including Cyprus matter. However, of course Europe should encourage the United Nations to launch an initiative. Europe should meet its own commitments, including direct trade with northern part of Cyprus."
"Following the decision to partially suspend the negotiations, I think it is very important that negotiations should be progressed in other chapters headings," he noted.
When reminded of the statements of French President Nicolas Sarkozy against Turkey`s membership, D`Alema pointed to the difference between the statements of the French leader during the election campaign process and after his election as the president.
Indicating that the EU would be further strengthened with Turkey`s membership, Massimo D`Alema pointed to the democratic structure of Turkey which has an overwhelmingly Muslim population.
D`Alema said EU`s manoeuvring ability in the Mediterranean and Middle East would increase following Ankara`s full membership. "With Turkey`s EU membership, a serious response will be given to those who perceive the world as clash of religions and civilizations," he remarked.
Underscoring that Italy was willing to boost relations with Turkey, D`Alema qualified actual political, economic and cultural relations as "perfect".
"Current trade volume exceeds 15 billion euro. This constitutes a strategic relation between our two countries. I will travel to Turkey to further improve bilateral relations," D`Alema indicated.
Commenting on developments in Turkey, D`Alema said, "those occurring in Turkey in the recent months have revealed the power of democracy and democratic rules."
D`Alema said Iraq and Afghanistan and international problems like Iran`s nuclear program would be discussed during his talks in Turkey.
Asked to comment on a probable operation against terrorist elements in north of Iraq following the rise in number of terrorist acts in Turkey, D`Alema said, "Iraq is currently in a fragile and complicated position. I wish no intervention would occur against Iraq."
D`Alema said the problems could be resolved with the close cooperation of Turkish executives and local executives in the north of Iraq.
"If acts of terrorism and border violations are in question, a close cooperation is necessary. A military intervention of the Turkish army against north of Iraq does not seem to be an element of stability," D`Alema said.