Davutoglu attends MUSİAD meeting

Speaking on the sidelines of a meeting titled "Turkey in Light of International Developments" at the Independent Industrialists and Businessmen's Association (MUSIAD) on Sunday, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said that it was impossible for Turkey to lose touch with Europe, as Turkey was historically part of the continent. Davutoglu maintained that Turkey was determined to accelerate the EU process, adding that the latest move by France to open talks on one of the five negotiating chapters is significant. Davutoglu also said that Turkey would continue to support those who have risen up and made legitimate demands against dictatorial regimes and who have called for the support of Turkish investors in their efforts. He particularly stressed that Turkey never discriminated among people based on ethnicity, religion or sects as in the example of Syria. Davutoglu also highlighted that Turkey approached people in the Middle East and Africa with a desire to enhance ties rather than exploit their resources. In reply to a question about the last Monday's blast at the Cilvegozu border gate at the Turkish-Syrian border which killed 14 people, including 4 Turks, Davutoglu said that the investigation was underway and that certainly the civilian people were targeted in the incident. Speaking to pres members following the MUSIAD meeting, Davutoglu expressed Turkey's support for UN-Arab League envoy Lakdar Brahimi's recent call for talks between the Syrian opposition and the regime under the roof of the UN. Davutoglu said Turkey has consistently been a supporter of Brahimi's efforts, adding, however, that the Syrian regime has never responded to efforts by the international community.