Turkey Will Pass Test Of Democracy In 2008, Babacan

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Turkey's Foreign Minister and Chief Negotiator for EU talks Ali Babacan said Wednesday Turkish democracy went through a test last year and Turkish democracy was strengthened.
Speaking at a luncheon hosted by the Confederation of Businessmen & Industrialists of Turkey (TUSKON) in Washington, D.C., Babacan said that Turkey will pass the test of democracy in 2008.
"There is an atmosphere in Turkey that facilitates free discussions. Individuals can freely state what they want and what they do not want. What matters in the long run is the establishment of a democratic culture", Babacan said.
Answering a question on Cyprus, Babacan stressed that "there should be consequences if Cyprus negotiations fail this time".
(SOL-UK)
(DIP)