President Abdullah Gul reacted harshly towards Germany and France's insistence on privileged EU membership for Turkey.
Gul stated; "A variety of politics will come and go. They will say a number of things through a variety of ways. However, we will not get hung up by them." President Gul held a mutual press conference with visiting Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva, who was welcomed on his official visit to the Cankaya Palace yesterday. As President Silva emphasized that there were as many nations that regarded Turkey's EU membership positively as there are those who are pessimistic, he stated; "It took us seven years to become an EU member."
Gul also answered questions from the press, and upon reminding that; "Germany and France had made a definite statement that the only consideration for Turkey was privileged membership," he went on to state: "Various politicians will come and go, and through various routes, maybe due to a shortfall in vision, may say certain things, however we will not get hung up on by them. We will take care of ourselves and as the Turkish nation will strongly continue on our reforms and will do what it is we need to during this negotiation period." "Europe has a need for Turkey"Silva, the first Portuguese President to speak at the Grand National Assembly, expressed that "Europe needs Turkey and Turkey has a need for Europe." Silva reminded that Portugal was also faced with obstacles during the EU accession process, just like Turkey.
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