Ruling party MPs support Turkey's EU membership

By Muhammet Emin Avundukluoglu

ANKARA

The ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party lawmakers on Monday voiced their support for Turkey's EU membership.

Speaking at the 2018 budget debate of the EU Ministry, Leyla Sahin Usta said that Turkey would continue to take necessary steps for EU membership despite the opposition.

Usta said that Turkey did not want to have any special status in the EU.

She said the membership was important "for fighting global terrorism and for global peace".

Turkey applied for EU membership in 1987 and accession talks began in 2005.

However, negotiations stalled in 2007 due to the objections of the Greek Cypriot Administration in the divided island of Cyprus, and opposition from Germany and France.

To gain membership, Turkey has to successfully conclude negotiations on 35 policy chapters that involve reforms and the adoption of European standards.

As of May 2016, 16 chapters had been opened and one closed. However, in December 2016, member states said no new chapters would be opened.

AK Party's Lawmaker from Mugla province Hasan Ozyer said that EU would become stronger with Turkey on board.

Ozyer also called on the EU countries to improve cooperation against global terror organizations.

"The EU countries should play an active role for fighting with terrorism," said Ozyer.