MADRID/ANKARA (AA) - ''Entry talks between Turkey and the European Union (EU) may last for 10 years. There will be ups and downs during this period but we will be ready in 10 years,'' said Turkish State Minister Ali Babacan.
Babacan, who participated in the Fifth EU-Turkey Conference in Madrid, spoke to El Pais and ABC newspapers.
Stressing the importance of the recent significant developments in Turkish economy, Babacan noted that growth rate was higher than 9 percent currently, indicating that inflation rate was 9.3 percent now.
Babacan stated that Turkey expected to host 20 million tourists this year, noting, ''European people want to know more about Turkey. Turkey should be promoted in a better way. Tourism and trade will help us achieve this.''
There was need for a good communication strategy to introduce Turkey's facts to European community, Babacan underlined.
''A stable Turkey is of great importance for stability of EU,'' he stressed.
Babacan indicated, ''if Turkey, which is a Muslim, secular and democratic country, has an open and stable economy, there will be a great transformation in the region. Turkey's accession is relevant to the future of Europe. What kind of Europe do you want? Will it be a small, closed and private club or a place where cultures and ethnical groups will meet? This is the question.''
On the other hand, ABC showed Babacan as the most probable candidate to the position of Turkey's entry talks negotiator.
Babacan told the ABC that Turkey's accession would be a very important step not only for Turkey and EU but also for whole region.
''We are witnessing important changes in the region. As a democratic country, Turkey's presence in the region is very important. Other countries in the region will monitor developments in Turkey. It was claimed that a Muslim country cannot be a democratic one. Turkey proves that a Muslim country can be a democratic one. EU should be a place where civilizations will live together,'' he stated.
(E֭MS)
2005-05-20