COLOGNE - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said they were taking determined steps to remove all obstacles before freedoms and enhance democracy in Turkey.
Addressing the Turkish community in Germany in "Cologne Arena" on Sunday, Erdogan said they continued to exert efforts to elevate the human rights and freedoms in Turkey to the level of European standards. He said they would sooner or later reach their goals.
Erdogan said economic development and democratization should go hand in hand.
"The progress we make in democracy will also carry our economy ahead," said Erdogan.
Commenting on Turkey`s EU bid, Erdogan said certain countries often exploited this issue in domestic politics and engaged in activities to hinder Turkey`s accession.
"I would like to stress this: Turkey does not have an alternative to full membership in the EU. From time to time some people voice something they call `privileged partnership`. There is no such thing called `privileged partnership` in our book," said Erdogan.
Erdogan pointed out that there was no "privileged partnership" in EU acquis and said, "they are writing a new scenario right now but Turkey will not be a part of this."
Erdogan said Turks living in Europe struggled to make a living while at the same time trying to preserve their identity, culture, and traditions.
Erdogan said he understood the sensitivity Turkish community displayed against assimilation.
"Nobody can expect tolerance on assimilation from you. But in Europe`s present you should not see yourselves as either transitory or the other," said Erdogan.
Erdogan emphasized that the Turkish community in Germany --with a population of 3 million-- should try to be more influential in German politics.
"Why shouldn`t we have mayors in Germany, Belgium, and Holland? Why shouldn`t we have more representatives in the German parliament or the EU parliament?" asked Erdogan who said Turks should have more say over social polices of the countries they live in.