TRABZON - Ambassador of the United Kingdom in Ankara, Nick Baird, said Friday "certain countries do not realize how modern and contemporary Turkey really is".
In a press conference held at the Chamber of Trade and Industry of the north-eastern province of Trabzon on Friday, Baird said that the U.K. is one of the most strongest supporters of Turkey`s accession to the European Union (EU).
We believe Turkey`s membership to the EU would contribute economically, culturally and socially, Baird said.
Turkey has a great economic dynamism and is a contemporary country, Baird said.
Turkey`s regional role is very crucial for establishing stability and preserving peace, Baird said.
We have noticed an increasing disappointment in Turkey in its accession process to the EU, Baird said.
While 70 percent of the Turks supported the EU in 2005, this number dropped to 50 percent and less in 2009, Baird said.
The decline in support for the EU is not caused by an unwillingness to join the EU but rather due to belief that Turkey can not join the EU, Baird said.
"Turkey`s EU membership process is spread on a long time frame. A long time frame is necessary. What is in question is Turkey`s accession into the EU as a big and strong country. This is an important development. Aside from the U.K. applying to join the union in the 1970s, there has not been such a big country applying for EU membership. Our offer did get vetoed twice," Baird said.
-"TURKEY IS DETERMINED & HAS STABILITY"-
Reminding that the EU does not provide an exact date for the conclusion of entry negotiations, Baird said that technical and legal arrangements by the Turkish government will take place by the year 2013.
Later, there will be a process for approval, Baird said.
I believe that Turkey will make the necessary arrangements and become an EU member, Baird said.
It is important for Turkey to continue arrangements in a speedy manner, Baird said.
I believe that the Turkish government is determined to join the EU and has stability on the way to EU, Baird said.
The years 2007 and 2008 were slow periods for the Turkish government but, with the arrival of 2009, the Turkish government speeded up the efforts in the accession process, Baird said.
Egemen Bagis`s appointment as the new chief negotiator, the publication of the national action plan and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan`s recent visit to Brussels were all very good developments, Baird said.
-"TURKEY NEED NOT MAKE A CHOICE BETWEEN EU OR MIDDLE EAST"-
In response to a question on Turkey`s role in the Middle East and Turkey`s recent close relations with the region, Baird said that Turkey need not make a choice between the EU or the Middle East.
Turkey really has an important role in the region, Baird said.
Such a role of Turkey will contribute to the EU, Baird stressed.
Turkey`s role in the Middle East will strengthen the peace process in the Middle East and provide stability in Iran and Iraq, Baird said.
Turkey, with its relations in the region and its influence, can help create results desired by the EU and the world in general, Baird said.
In regard to a question on the recent Davos summit, Baird said that relations between Turkey and Israel will continue to grow and become stronger with each passing day.
I believe Turkey will continue to contribute to the peace process in the Middle East, Baird said.
Touching on incorrect information that exists on Turkey, Baird said that there are concerns and reservations related to Turkey`s membership in Europe.
"To be honest, one of the two reservations involves Islam...The majority of Turks are Muslims. Another reservation has to do with Turkey`s big population. There is fear that, once Turkey joins the union, there will be a large influx of immigrants into EU states and jobs would be taken by the Turks. I think that there are two important points here. The concerns on Islam has to do with the view of a minority in the EU about terrorist incidents. As such, certain circles in Europe do not understand that the Muslims are freedom loving, are tolerant and share these values of the EU. Turkey is one of the best examples. Turkey has succeeded in economic development and has a very strong democracy. Turkey is a strong country who has well identified and blended itself with Islam. I believe this is a crucial symbol," Baird also said.
(SOL)
(DIP)