State minister Bagis: "We want to be friends with France"

State Minister and chief negotiator for European Union talks Egemen Bagis yesterday attended a Bastille Day reception held by French Ambassador to Ankara Bernard Emie. Speaking at the reception, Bagis send Turkey wants to be friends with France, quoting French writer Jacques Attali as saying, "Those who exclude Turkey from Europe for cultural reasons will remain in a condition where they will have to deny their cultural and religious roots." Asking whether European democracy can claim pluralism without Turkish and Muslim participation, Bagis added, "Signing the Nabucco deal (earlier this week) proved that Turkey can solve Europe's problems without even being a member." He said, "Turkey's full membership is the right path. Friends can tell what they think is correct. But the closest friends are those who support others on difficult paths. Thus, I am extending a hand of friendship to France not as a remote bridge, but as a close partner which will integrate Europe."