Turkey ready to continue negotiations on EU accession

By Azernews

By Kamila Aliyeva

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in a message timed to the Day of Europe on May 9, expressed regret for the manifestation of discrimination, racism, Islamophobia and xenophobia taking place throughout the European continent, Anadolu news agency reported.

"Radical currents threaten the fundamental values ??of the EU and the future of Europe. At the same time, many European politicians, guided by personal interests, actually keep silence against the backdrop of the actions of the right forces, "the president noted.

Pointing out that such tendencies also badly affect Turkey-EU relations, Erdogan added his country aimed to improve relations with the EU.

Erdogan noted that Turkey has been and remains part of the historical and cultural community of Europe.

Turkey wants to continue EU bid in a win-win strategy for both sides, Erdogan said. "Our country, which has been a historical, geographical and cultural part of Europe for centuries, demands to continue the membership process to the EU -- a strategic target for us -- within the scope of mutual respect and equality and the understanding of a win-win [outcome]," Erdogan said.

The cooperation developed with the EU in a period when the refugee crisis hit its peak is the most clear and latest example of this understanding, according to the Turkish leader.

He also emphasized that the EU should keep its promises regarding visa-free travel for Turkish citizens.

In his message released on Europe Day, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said: “Turkey, which considers itself European culturally, historically and geographically, wants to continue the EU accession process in accordance with the principle of reciprocity.

"However, the separatist ideas that are greatly supported by other EU countries pose serious concerns about the future of the Union," he said referring to the U.K. Brexit.

Accession negotiations started in 2005, but until Turkey agrees to apply the Additional Protocol of the Ankara Association Agreement to Cyprus, eight negotiation chapters will not be opened and no chapter will be provisionally closed.

Turkey-EU relations, after years of deadlock following the opening of accession talks in 2005 have intensified in recent months with parties closely cooperating to stem the flow of refugees into the EU.

The visa liberalization scheme for Turkish citizens and the speeding up of Turkey’s EU accession negotiations are also part of the migration deal agreed upon in November 2015 and finalized in March this year.

Overall, Turkey is the country in the world hosting the highest number of refugees, and has already spent significant financial resources on addressing this crisis. The Action Plan aims at bringing order in the migratory flows and stemming the influx of irregular migration.

However, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE)'s recent decision to reopen a political monitoring process against Turkey deteriorated relations between Ankara and Brussels which can possibly lead to suspension of the talks on EU-accession for Turkey.