Turkish Parliament Speaker Toptan Emphasizes Importance Of E.U. Enlargement

PARIS - Turkish parliament speaker on Friday emphasized importance of enlargement of the European Union (EU).
"Enlargement of the EU has indispensable importance for adoption of mutual values in principle," Parliament Speaker Koksal Toptan told a statement which he submitted to meeting of the Speakers of European Union Parliaments.
The participants discussed EU`s institutional future and implementation of Lisbon Treaty`s clauses by national parliaments in the morning session.
Toptan in his statement underlined that Lisbon Treaty represented future of the EU, noting that, "after conclusion of ratification process of the Lisbon Treaty, problems related to institutional actions will be overcome to a great extend."
Toptan said Turkey closely pursued this process, "Turkey believes that this treaty pledged a promising future and a more democratic, transparent and rich political life for the European citizens that got united around mutual values and freedoms."
"We are resolved to take steps that will further strengthen democracy, fundamental rights and freedoms in Turkey. I believe that our European friends will support Turkey in this respect. I also believe that Turkey will be a member of the EU soon," Toptan said.
(AY-)
(DIP)