Erdogan: Turkey has never abandoned its goal of EU membership

In an address to the ambassadors of EU countries at a dinner on Monday, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey has never abandoned its primary goal of EU membership and it was determined to speed up the process. "Turkey has never given up on its EU targets. There may be some that are expecting us to steer away, but it is clear that we are continuing to take determined steps," Erdogan said. "However, external dynamics, as well as internal dynamics, also played their part. We tried to maintain a sensitive balance between democracy and security, but we were repeatedly criticized by the EU when we were trying to carry out the reforms," Erdogan said, adding, "However, it is unacceptable for them not to distance themselves from the terrorist organization while ruthlessly criticizing us. I thank those states and leaders who candidly contribute to our fight against terrorism. But I want to repeat that we want to see the solidarity and cooperation against terrorism in the whole of Europe." Erdogan also called on the Assad regime in Syria to leave power, Israel to end lift its blockage of Gaza Strip and the EU to increase its efforts to solve the issue.