EU membership will connect civilizations, says Turkish PM
Prime Minister Erdogan stressed that Turkey is pushing ahead with deep economic, political and social reforms, which are essential if the country is to qualify for EU membership. The impact of these structural reforms has already been felt, he said. “It is a silent revolution.” His government would continue the responsible management of the economy that resulted in 7.6% growth last year and brought inflation and public spending under control. “We have not compromised on our fiscal discipline and will not in the future,” Erdogan promised.
Despite the roadblocks, Babacan said that Turkey would not walk away from its negotiations with the EU. “We will always be there to talk.” From his perspective as leader of a country that recently joined the EU, Valdas Adamkus, President of Lithuania, said that the road to membership is painful. But he denied that double standards have been applied to Turkey. Such allegations are “nothing but false illusions”, he added. “The success of the negotiations will depend on the resolve and courage of people to make the necessary but not always popular decisions. There is a long way to go, but I have no doubt that one day the EU will welcome Turkey into the family.” The President concluded: “Europe needs Turkey and Turkey needs Europe.”
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