EU Minister says security of Europe depends on southeastern Turkey

Turkey's European Union minister and chief negotiator said on Wednesday that Europe's security is linked with security in southeastern Turkey. Egemen Bagis said that while the terrorist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) operates in southeastern Turkey, it is also trafficking illegal drugs to Europe. "You should understand that Brussels' security starts from Batman, Paris' security starts from Diyarbakir and Berlin's security starts from Sirnak," Bagis stated at a conference in Brussels. Bagis declared that the PKK was on EU's list of terrorist networks, adding that EU member states were obliged to fight against the PKK as it has against other terrorist organizations. Bagis also spoke on the rift between the EU and Turkey on Cyprus saying that if European airlines begin flights to Ercan Airport in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC), Turkey would agree to open its ports and airports to Greek Cypriot ships and planes. During his visit Bagis also met with Štefan Fule, European commissioner for enlargement and European neighborhood policy. Fule and Bagis agreed on the importance of reviving Turkey-EU relations, with Fule stating that Turkey was still a key country for the EU. Fule and Bagis discussed deeper dialogue and cooperation on political reforms, adjustment to the EU acquis, visa requirements and migration issues. Fule praised Turkey's efforts for a comprehensive and pluralist new constitution and promised that the EU will boost cooperation with Turkey in its fight against terrorism.