Sweeden's Bildt: "We must look strategically at Turkey's EU bid"

Speaking to Spanish daily El Pais, EU Term President Sweden's Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, whose country will hand over the EU helm to Spain next week, said, "Turkey must substantial reforms in line with its EU accession bid, but the EU itself must also have a vision supported by a strategic and political leadership approach on Turkey. I'm optimistic about the future." Reiterating his country's support for Turkey's EU accession process, Bildt said baseless fears about Turkey and Muslims in general among the European public should be addressed. "We will continue to live with the heritage of Islamic culture," he said. "We must show that the EU can overcome cliches and prejudices about Muslims coming from the past. Achieving this carries great importance for the future of the Union."