Turkish minority in Western Thrace opens Turkey's EU path, Turkish state minister says

KOMOTINI (A.A) - 23.05.2011 - Turkish State Minister and Chief Negotiator for EU talks, Egemen Bagis, said Sunday that the contributions made by the Turkish minority in Western Thrace, as EU citizens, to Greece and Europe "opened Turkey's EU path".
Bagis and the spouse of Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Mrs. Emine Erdogan, were in Komotini, Greece on Sunday to attend various events hosted by the Turkish minority in Western Thrace.
In a speech delivered in Komotini, Egemen Bagis said that he himself lived out of Turkey for 17 years and that he knew about the difficulty of living as a Turk overseas.
Last Sunday, we were with our citizens of Greek origin. Today, we are here with you. The reality is that there are two prime ministers, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and George Papandreou, who are working hand in hand for the happiness of our citizens of Greek origin and the Turkish minority in Western Thrace. Erdogan and Papandreou are making great efforts so that our citizens live in peace and tranquility. I want you to know that Western Thrace is not alone. We are close to you by distance and our hearts, Bagis said.
Emine Erdogan, in her part, said that the happiness and sadness of the Turkish minority in Western Thrace was the happiness and sadness of the Turks living in Turkey.
A society that embraces its historic values and identity will always stand on its feet, Erdogan also said.