ANKARA - Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said Sunday Turkey will not be deterred from its aim of joining the European Union. Turkey`s objective of becoming a full member of the EU exists in a firm way and Turkey`s EU accession process is in progress, he underlined.
Babacan left for French capital of Paris to participate in an international conference of donors aiming at offering financial and other aid to the Palestinians.
Babacan told a news conference at Esenboga Airport in Ankara that the decisions that were made in the External Relations Council meeting on December 10th were approved in the EU summit that took place in Brussels on Friday and Turkey released a statement on this matter and put forth its stance on the decision.
"EU process is a process of patience. This process must not include any impulsive attitude or emotional reactions. There is need to act rationally," he underlined.
"During this process there are those want to anger and discourage us. But, we will proceed with determination, we will not be frustrated and we will not make even the slightest concession to our aim of joining the EU," Babacan said.
Babacan said they expected the EU countries to stand behind the decisions that were undersigned by former governments.
If necessary, Turkey would put forth very different reactions, he said.
"Two more chapters should have been opened in October. French authorities assumed a different attitude in regard to opening of these chapters. They first said that a group of `wise people` should be established and but its shape has changed later. On Friday, this group`s mandate became clear and it will not deal with the borders of the EU," he stated.
Babacan welcomed the fact that the group`s proposed mandate was curtailed and said reopening a debate on borders and Turkey`s position would have been unacceptable.
German Chancellor proposed "privileged partnership" for Turkey and French President Nicolas Sarkozy has sharp views in regard to Turkey`s membership, he stated. Despite these factors, Turkey`s EU accession process is under way, Babacan said.
-INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF DONORS -
The aim of international conference of donors to be attended by representatives of nearly 90 international organizations and countries is to secure a sustainable economic structure in Palestine.
"The amount of Turkey`s aids (to Palestine) has exceeded 30 million U.S. dollars so far. We will keep assisting them (Palestinian people)," he added.