ID :
168399
Tue, 03/15/2011 - 14:37
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https://oananews.org//node/168399
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Minds struggling against change are not aware of possibility of walls being erected at the heart of EU, Turkey's Chief EU negotiator Bagis says
ISTANBUL (A.A) - 15.03.2011 - Turkish State Minister and Chief Negotiator for European Union (EU) talks Egemen Bagis said Tuesday that the minds struggling against change with a narrow vision were not aware of the possibility of walls being erected at the heart of the EU, walls comparable to those in Berlin in the past.
Speaking at a session at the ongoing Leaders of Change Summit in Istanbul, Egemen Bagis said that the words 'change' and 'leadership' were side by side and that these words gained meaning in a city such as Istanbul.
Istanbul has always been a leading city and shaped change throughout history, Bagis said.
Istanbul does not merely unite two continents, Europe and Asia. It is a city that sits at the intersection of Asia, Europe and Africa. Istanbul has a special place in the world as a city that has brought together cultures, civilizations, races, religions and languages, Bagis said.
As a leading city of change, Istanbul has a crucial role in the democratization and development of Turkey. Other cities such as Mardin, Hatay, Bursa, Iznik, Van and Konya are examples of cities where tolerance and co-existence take place, Bagis said.
Change demands courage. Leaders wishing to make change must be bolder than those resisting change, Bagis said.
The Justice and Development (AK) Party, under the leadership of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is a movement that leads changes in Turkey. Our political party did not merely display leadership for change but was successful in dealing with sides resisting changes, Bagis underlined.
Turkey, since the vision established by Ataturk, has been a source of inspiration in its region for change. Turkey became a source of inspiration in the region by bringing together a culture of democracy and an Islamic culture for decades, Bagis said.
Turkey's leadership for change is clearly evident. The process we are going through in the world, and especially in the Middle East and North Africa, is an opportunity for many to understand Turkey's importance. The EU is the most comprehensive peace project of the whole history of humanity. When we look at the history of countries in the EU, we notice that many of them have fought against each other but are now living in peace and harmony under the flag of the EU, Bagis said.
-"TURKEY WILL MAKE EU A GLOBAL PEACE PROJECT"-
Turkey's most crucial contribution to the EU will be in making this union a global peace project rather than merely a continental one, Bagis said.
Despite all obstacle placed in our face and double standards, we will not give up our determination to join the union. The EU needs Turkey's vision and leadership for change, Bagis noted.
Pointing out that the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, stressed the importance of an European union in the 1930s, long before the EU was formally established, Bagis said that it was high time for the EU to question itself.
The way the EU moves today generates division among religions. Unfortunately, the minds struggling against change with a narrow vision are not aware of the possibility of walls being erected at the heart of the EU, Bagis said.
Certain EU countries have still not recognized Kosovo's independence. Kosovo is so crucial for tranquility and peace in Europe. I want to make a call to all relevant parties. All countries must respect the decision of the Kosovans to determine their own future, Bagis stressed.
Bagis added that Turkey continued to change and at the same time has assumed the role of a regional leader.
Following his remarks at the Leaders of Change Summit in Istanbul, Egemen Bagis proceeded to the United States where he will attend a conference on Turkish-American Leadership and hold talks.
Speaking at a session at the ongoing Leaders of Change Summit in Istanbul, Egemen Bagis said that the words 'change' and 'leadership' were side by side and that these words gained meaning in a city such as Istanbul.
Istanbul has always been a leading city and shaped change throughout history, Bagis said.
Istanbul does not merely unite two continents, Europe and Asia. It is a city that sits at the intersection of Asia, Europe and Africa. Istanbul has a special place in the world as a city that has brought together cultures, civilizations, races, religions and languages, Bagis said.
As a leading city of change, Istanbul has a crucial role in the democratization and development of Turkey. Other cities such as Mardin, Hatay, Bursa, Iznik, Van and Konya are examples of cities where tolerance and co-existence take place, Bagis said.
Change demands courage. Leaders wishing to make change must be bolder than those resisting change, Bagis said.
The Justice and Development (AK) Party, under the leadership of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is a movement that leads changes in Turkey. Our political party did not merely display leadership for change but was successful in dealing with sides resisting changes, Bagis underlined.
Turkey, since the vision established by Ataturk, has been a source of inspiration in its region for change. Turkey became a source of inspiration in the region by bringing together a culture of democracy and an Islamic culture for decades, Bagis said.
Turkey's leadership for change is clearly evident. The process we are going through in the world, and especially in the Middle East and North Africa, is an opportunity for many to understand Turkey's importance. The EU is the most comprehensive peace project of the whole history of humanity. When we look at the history of countries in the EU, we notice that many of them have fought against each other but are now living in peace and harmony under the flag of the EU, Bagis said.
-"TURKEY WILL MAKE EU A GLOBAL PEACE PROJECT"-
Turkey's most crucial contribution to the EU will be in making this union a global peace project rather than merely a continental one, Bagis said.
Despite all obstacle placed in our face and double standards, we will not give up our determination to join the union. The EU needs Turkey's vision and leadership for change, Bagis noted.
Pointing out that the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, stressed the importance of an European union in the 1930s, long before the EU was formally established, Bagis said that it was high time for the EU to question itself.
The way the EU moves today generates division among religions. Unfortunately, the minds struggling against change with a narrow vision are not aware of the possibility of walls being erected at the heart of the EU, Bagis said.
Certain EU countries have still not recognized Kosovo's independence. Kosovo is so crucial for tranquility and peace in Europe. I want to make a call to all relevant parties. All countries must respect the decision of the Kosovans to determine their own future, Bagis stressed.
Bagis added that Turkey continued to change and at the same time has assumed the role of a regional leader.
Following his remarks at the Leaders of Change Summit in Istanbul, Egemen Bagis proceeded to the United States where he will attend a conference on Turkish-American Leadership and hold talks.
