BRUSSELS - Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said on Tuesday that EU countries` denying their own signature would harm the reliability of the Union.
Speaking after the meeting of the association council between Turkey and the EU in Brussels, Babacan said that the EU --during the summit in December 17th, 2004 and in Negotiation Framework Paper in October, 2005-- registered the target of Turkey-EU negotiations as full membership unanimously and on the highest level. Babacan warned that efforts of France to remove the word "accession" from EU documents would mean "EU`s denial of its own signature".
Babacan called on EU to be loyal to its commitments, and not to endanger its reliability.
Babacan said that Turkish government, while fulfilling reforms, paid attention to "legal legitimacy, international legitimacy as well as legitimacy in public conscience".
Regarding the possible effects of closure case against Turkey`s ruling Justice & Development (AK) Party on country`s EU process, Babacan said that the decision would be made by THE Constitutional Court. Babacan said that he was expecting a decision which would be in harmony with Copenhagen criteria, ECHR regulations and principles of Venice Commission of Council of Europe.
When asked his expectations about Syrian-Israeli talks, Babacan said that Turkey wanted peace and stability in its region, adding that this would be settled through political dialogue.
Babacan said that Turkey gained confidence of many countries with its balanced foreign policies.
"Israel-Syria is one of the most important parts of Middle East peace process. Upon a demand by both countries, Turkey undertook a facilitator role. Then, indirect talks were held between Israel and Syria. A common basis was established which satisfied both countries. If a concrete progress is recorded, parties will meet face-to-face. We are in the beginning of the process. Political will is necessary. We can see this will now. I hope this would continue," Babacan said.
Following the meeting of association council between Turkey and the EU, Babacan met EU High Representative for the Common Foreign & Security Policy Javier Solana.
(GC-AÖ)