Turkey Faces Terrorist Attacks That Can Not Be Accepted In Any Way, D' Alema

ISTANBUL - Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema said Thursday Turkey faces terrorist attacks that can not be accepted in any case.
The terrorist attacks on Turkey must be dealt with an approach of stability and self-control, D'Alema noted. "Turkey is struggling against terrorists as a real democratic country," D'Alema stressed.
D'Alema delivered a keynote speech at Fourth Turkish-Italian Forum in Istanbul's Conrad Hotel on Thursday.
"We have decided to hold annual summits between the two governments. Italy has such special relations with only a few countries in the world," D'Alema indicated.
"We have common strategic interests. Such a statement is not merely a rhetoric. We have common economic, social, political and cultural interests," D'Alema remarked.
Touching on the Middle East, D'Alema said that Turkey is a country that can play an important role in the region. "We must not forget that Turkey has good relations with all countries in the Middle East. Italy has a goal to establish good relations with both Israel and Palestine," D'Alema underlined.
"Turkey is an important country not only for the Middle East but worldwide. Turkey has become a country that many consult to and want to work together with," D'Alema noted.
"Turkey portrays important, balanced and responsible acts in strategic areas. When it becomes an European Union member, Turkey's acts would contribute to the union," D'Alema stated.
"It is a necessity for the EU to expand by letting Turkey in. This way, the EU would benefit, as far as security and reginal stability is concerned. The Italians have a positive view on Turkey's membership (to the EU)," D'Alema stressed.
We must express an European idea that is based on universal values, D'Alema noted.
"An open-minded Europe must definitely let Turkey enter the union. We have joint goals and are walking down the same path towards welfare. We are in the same civilization," D'Alema said.
"Turkey is on its way to become a global power. Membership in the EU would contribute to Turkey's global role," D'Alema told.
In reference to Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code, D'Alema said that "it is a symbolic article which we hope will be amended."
Following the Turkish-Italian Forum meeting in Istanbul, D'Alema left Turkey for Lebanese capital Beirut.