DAVOS (AA) - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday, ''Turkey is an element of balance in the Middle East.''
Prime Minister Erdogan replied to questions of Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, and several participants of the forum.
When asked by Schwab, ''what does Europe mean to you and Turkish people? Can you explain your point of view about your European identity?'' Erdogan said, ''Turkish people have a 700-year history as an European power. During its last years, the Ottoman Empire was used to be defined as 'sick man of Europe' not of Asia. Today, some circles have been expending great efforts not to accept Turkey as an European country. Turkey is an European country with its geographical position, with its way of living and culture. Besides, there are 4 million Turkish people living in Europe.''
Upon a question about possible impacts of Turkey's EU membership on Europe, Erdogan said, ''after Turkey's membership, the EU will become the center of compromise among civilizations. The EU describes itself as a whole of political values. Turkey's accession will put this definition into force.''
Replying to another question about Turkey's relations with its neighbors such as Iran and Iraq, Prime Minister Erdogan said, ''Turkey is an element of balance in the Middle East. Therefore, we have some special responsibilities. Turkey will fulfil its responsibilities efficiently to provide peace, improve economy and develop democracy in the region.''
2005-01-28