BERLIN - Turkish Justice Minister Cemil Cicek said on Thursday, ''Turkey fulfils its responsibilities stemming from its historical and geographical position.''
Speaking at a conference held by Association of Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen (TUSIAD) in German capital Berlin on ''Europe Waits for Turkey'', Cicek said, ''Turkey has a central position in the international relations. Therefore if the EU does not open entry talks with Turkey at its summit on December 17th or decides to apply a different negotiation process for Turkey, it contradicts its own values. In that case, political future of the EU would be discussed. The new EU Constitution is based on the ideal of 'union in diversity'. This ideal entails Turkey's membership.''
''Although Turkey has a population of mainly Muslim people, it is the only Muslim country which adopted European values. Like Europe, Turkey is in favor of peace, stability, socio-economic prosperity and a secular and democratic administration that respects human rights. The EU should not prevent Turkey's membership by taking into consideration the bitter experiences in Europe's history. Turkey is an indispensable country in fight against international terrorism. Turkey has the second biggest army among NATO allies and takes place in a strategic route to the Middle East. The EU should see possible contributions of Turkey to the Union. If the EU wants to become a universal force, it can reach this target only through membership of Turkey which has deep relations with Eastern Mediterranean, the Balkans, Central Asia, Caucasus and the Middle East. Without Turkey, the EU will be deprived of strategic profundity,'' Cicek added.
(UK-MS) 21.10.2004