Babacan: We Are Patient Of Turkey's Accession To The E.U.

BRUSSELS - Turkish State Minister Ali Babacan has said, ''we know that Turkey's accession to the European Union (EU) will take time. We are patient.''
Attending a meeting organized by the World Bank in Brussels through video-conference, Babacan said on Tuesday, ''the most important thing to us is to progress on the right track.''
He highlighted importance of the reform process providing Turkey with taking correct and rapid steps to this end.
''Turkish public opinion's desire to become a full member of the EU depends not only on economic expectations, but also on political advantages and a well functioning democracy. Turkey has nothing to lose by fulfilling the Copenhagen political criteria. On the contrary, fulfillment of the political criteria will be beneficial,'' he stressed.
Babacan noted, ''the EU will also benefit from membership of Turkey, that is described as a 'bridge among cultures and religions' and as an 'energy corridor'. Also, Turkey has a great economic potential.''
''Turkey can easily become the growth engine of the EU with its young and dynamic population. We are aware of concerns about possible intense migration from Turkey to the other EU-member countries in case of Turkey's accession to the EU. However, these concerns are baseless. On the contrary, we expect labor force to focus on Turkey,'' Babacan added.
(UK) 11.05.2004