ID :
169383
Sat, 03/19/2011 - 14:53
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/169383
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Turkish state minister in Washington D.C.
WASHINGTON D.C. (A.A) - 19.03.2011 - Turkey's State Minister for the European Union Egemen Bagis said, "Middle Eastern people demand a country like Turkey during protests in their countries. I do not like to use the words of model and exemplary. But, clearly, Turkey is a source of inspiration for the regional countries."
Bagis, who is currently paying an official visit to the USA met U.S. President Barack Obama's Special Assistant Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall in Washington D.C.
He said at a press conference at the Turkish Embassy in Washington D.C. following the meeting, "Turkey's European Union process was high on agenda of my meetings with the U.S. authorities. All U.S. presidents since Ronald Reagan have extended full support to Turkey's target to become a member of the European Union. We also exchanged views on the issues of fight against terrorism, visa and Cyprus."
"Recent developments in our region including the uprising in Libya was also high on agenda of our meetings. The uprising in Libya includes a demand. People demand democracy, human rights, freedom of expression, free market economy, a modern life-style, a better health care and education system. Actually, they demand a country like Turkey. I do not like to use the words of model and exemplary. But, clearly, Turkey is a source of inspiration for the regional countries," he said.
"Turkey's maintaining its European Union process with the same determination for the past 50 years is one of its most important characteristics. Because, Turkey has become a more democratic, transparent, prosperous and distinguished country in this process," he said.
Bagis recalled that Turkey had already mentioned a timetable for its European Union process in its National Program. "We envisaged to fully adapt Turkey to the European Union till the end of 2013," he said.
Bagis, who is currently paying an official visit to the USA met U.S. President Barack Obama's Special Assistant Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall in Washington D.C.
He said at a press conference at the Turkish Embassy in Washington D.C. following the meeting, "Turkey's European Union process was high on agenda of my meetings with the U.S. authorities. All U.S. presidents since Ronald Reagan have extended full support to Turkey's target to become a member of the European Union. We also exchanged views on the issues of fight against terrorism, visa and Cyprus."
"Recent developments in our region including the uprising in Libya was also high on agenda of our meetings. The uprising in Libya includes a demand. People demand democracy, human rights, freedom of expression, free market economy, a modern life-style, a better health care and education system. Actually, they demand a country like Turkey. I do not like to use the words of model and exemplary. But, clearly, Turkey is a source of inspiration for the regional countries," he said.
"Turkey's maintaining its European Union process with the same determination for the past 50 years is one of its most important characteristics. Because, Turkey has become a more democratic, transparent, prosperous and distinguished country in this process," he said.
Bagis recalled that Turkey had already mentioned a timetable for its European Union process in its National Program. "We envisaged to fully adapt Turkey to the European Union till the end of 2013," he said.
