ANKARA - Suleyman Demirel, the 9th President of Turkey, has stated that ''Europe should not fear Turkish membership as this membership will be in the interest of the EU.'' Participating in a conference organized to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Foreign Policy Institute, Demirel told reporters that ''Turkish membership would contribute to make the EU a global actor and will accrue its influence on the Caucasus, Central Asian and Middle Eastern regions.''
''At a time when global threats against peace and security are rising rapidly and becoming more complex, Europe cannot sit idle,'' said Demirel and went on: ''Turkish membership will make possible the realization of compromise and cooperation between civilizations. Turkish membership will also contribute to the cultural richness of Europe.''
Demirel described Turkey as ''a nation that belongs both to the Western and Islamic worlds.'' ''With its democratic, secular and social traits, Turkey is a role model to countries in the region. The large number of Turkish youth will contribute to the future of the EU,'' expressed Demirel.
According to Demirel, ''the founders of the European Union dreamed of creating a continent of peace, democracy and welfare.'' ''This dream is about to become real. Turkish membership will add to the success of the realization of this dream,'' noted Demirel. (ULG) 21.10.2004