Some European Countries Exaggerate Cultural Difference In Turkey's E.U. Accession Process: Aydin

MADRID - Turkish State Minister Mehmet Aydin said on Thursday that some European countries exaggerated cultural difference in Turkey's European Union (EU) accession process.
Aydin replied questions of Spanish reporters at a luncheon which was hosted in his honor by Carlos Amberes and FRIDE foundations in Madrid.
Noting that accession to the EU has a basic significance for Turkey, Aydin said, ''Turkey's accession to the EU is a big process in economic, social, political and cultural aspects. Especially cultural relations should be concentrated. Because it is necessary to eliminate misunderstandings on minds of some Europeans. Cultural difference is exaggerated in many countries.''
Aydin said that when Turkey entered the EU, it would become an organic part of the Union. He added that Turkey would have a significant contribution in relations between the EU and Arab countries. He stressed that it was necessary to focus on dialogue in relations between Arab countries and Europe.
(GC-AÖ) 03.06.2004