Turkey’s chief EU negotiator says 'full membership, or nothing'

Bagis told Greek Newspaper Kathimerini that despite objections of certain circles, Turkey was determined to take the necessary steps and complete negotiations. "We will not accept anything less than full membership. Full membership, or nothing," said Bagis.

 

Bagis said fears of certain circles in the EU were unfounded. "When you take into consideration problems like terrorism, organised crime, the aging work force, climate change, and energy crisis which the EU will face in 20 to 30 years of time, you will see that these problems can be solved through Turkey's accession to the union," said Bagis.

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Also commenting on the issue of illegal migrants, Bagis pointed out that illegal aliens in the EU countries were not Turkish nationals and said international cooperation was necessary in combating with this problem.

 

Bagis argued that Turkey was having problems in signing return agreements with Afghanistan, Syria, Pakistan, Iran and Iraq, from where most illegal migrants in the EU were coming. Bagis said this situation made impossible the implementation of the protocol signed with Greece in 2001, adding that Turkey refused to become the largest refugee camp in the world.

 

"I think it is time for Greek politicians to realize Turkey's dynamic. Would they like to see a neighbor that is a full member of the EU or a country in stress, which is likely to spread its problems to the region?" asked Bagis.