Bagis for internationally mutual attitude against terrorism

Turkey's EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis paid a visit to London, United Kingdom, which is regarded as a country Turkey meets on a common ground on a number of issues, with a view to provide their support in the peace making process initiated by Turkey upon the new momentum stirred up by the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip to accelerate Turkey's EU accession process. As part of diplomatic contacts made by Bagis, such issues as opening new chapters to negotiations regarding Turkey's EU accession during Ireland's EU presidency and providing international support against terror will be touched upon. Evaluating Obama's remarks on the "new page" that has been opened regarding Turkey's southeastern issue, Bagis said, "The remarks made by Obama were very clear. But this is Turkey's internal problem after all. We should deal with it on our own. Yet, fight against terrorism is an international issue for which we should have international support." In response to a question whether those remarks made by the most influential person of the US will be accompanied by a parallel attitude, Bagis said that this was a matter of time. In an interview with a Turkish daily, Obama has clearly stated that he ‘applauds' Turkey's effort to find peaceful solution to Kurdish problem. Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, will pay a diplomatic visit to Turkey on 25th February. Turkish Government is planning to arrange a diplomatic meeting with the French President François Hollande, as well. Answering the question "Do you think Obama's support against the PKK in this new process will be adopted by the European leaders?" Bagis said, "The European leaders I have contacted so far have displayed their support on this issue. Such countries as Sweden, Australia and Germany have even asked how they could provide further support. I am sure this issue will be brought to the agenda of the bilateral discussion with the British counterpart today as well." Underlying the fact that France displays sensitivity on this issue even though Turkey and France seemingly have problems, Bagis said, "I have witnessed the remarks by French President Sarkozy stating that he no longer wants to host PKK members in French jails. But this was not accepted by the French ruling.  Significant progress could be made on this issue, if positive steps were taken towards that end." Bagis added that Turkey would gain momentum on social, economic and political arena upon resolving this problem. Commenting on the proposal of holding a referendum on the EU membership of David Cameron, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Bagis said, "Prime Minister David Cameron has declared his intention. But his intention doesn't necessarily mean that United Kingdom will pull out its EU membership. We cannot foresee how the circumstance in 2015 will be shaped. I don't think it is just to blame or make a pressure on UK on this matter. We surely want to be part of the European Union in which the United Kingdom is present. On the other hand, we will continue our cooperation with the United Kingdom no matter if it is an EU member or not.  This should be accepted that what Cameron did was a serious warning to the European Union. I find it very crucial to take Cameron's remarks as a whole and to meticulously analyze his warnings," adding, "United Kingdom's membership to the EU was vetoed twice with the same arguments imposed on Turkey today. That's why we consider the UK as the country which can best understand Turkey's situation right now." Finally, Bagis commented on the remarks of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the possibility of membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, saying, "We're not in a position to prefer Schengen or Shanghai. They are not the alternative or substitute of one another. Turkey has many opportunities ahead. We will make our decision in line with our strategic objectives."