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Rajap Tayyip Erdogan: â€œTurkey needs the EU and the EU needs Turkeyâ€

13 April 2011 15:14 (UTC +04:00)

In his speech the Prime Minister touched upon the history of relations between the CoE and Turkey, ongoing political situation in the world, Turkish position in the incidents took place in Arabian countries and Libyan issue. Saying that Turkey is a very powerful country, Erdogan condemned some countries standing against the acceptance of Turkey into the EU membership: â€œTurkish membership to the EU must not be used for internal political purposes and campaigns. Turkey needs the EU and the EU needs Turkey. Those who think that Turkish EU membership may damage the organization, their welfare are unfair toward both the European union and their nations. From this viewpoint, we expect that our candidacy for the EU to be considered impartially. Turkey conducted historical reforms in this direction, in the sphere of democracy. It realized significant reforms in the sphere of fighting against decrease of corruption, poverty and independences. For example, today, beggars are driven away in France. Is it called democracy? Campaign is conducted in France against the Moslems. Is it called religious endurance? But there are no problems in Turkey and all national and religious minorities live together in our country quietly. We must support the democracy, human rightsâ€.

Touching upon the problem occurred in Turkish media recently, Erdogan noted the possibility of sending the delegation of the Council of Europe for right investigation of this issue: â€œThe fact on pressure exerted on media is not true. It is only the result of writings posted under the order of mafia groups by some mass media representatives. At present, there are 26 imprisoned journalists in Turkey and non of them has been arrested for their journalistic activity. Today, I told CoE Secretary General that if you want to know the essence of the issue then letâ€™s send your representative to our country and investigate the issue in a proper mannerâ€.