Bagis writes for The Huffington Post

Turkey’s EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis wrote an article for The Huffington Post which was published on Tuesday. In the article entitled "Democracy and Bread: Turkey’s Link Between the EU and the Middle East" Bagis says, " While Turkey is firmly attached to its destined course of integration with the European Union, we are equally involved with our Eastern and Southern neighbors. Turkey's attachment and alliance with the West is complemented with its historic and cultural roots in the East. This combination makes Turkey a strategic asset for the EU. Similarly, Turkey's unique position in Eurasia makes us a key global actor. Turkey is the most Eastern part of the West and the most Western part of the East whereas Istanbul is the most European City of Asia and the most Asian City of Europe," adding, "If Turkey is seen as an inspiration that Muslim nations can advance through democracy, economic reforms, popular dynamism and stable democratic governments, let it be. If this is seen as a "Turkish Model" we have no objection." Bagis further says, "A civilian government with a puppet image under the military's custodial rule is not the Turkish model.