Turkish Minister of EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis said on Tuesday that they embrace and respect different opinions as a democratic country as long as they are peaceful and non-violent.
Speaking at the opening of International Herald Tribune Sport Business Summit held at Istanbul's Conrad Hotel, Turkish EU Minister Bagis told that Istanbul has the capacity to host the 2020 Olympics as a distinct city, confirming the trust displayed by Herald Tribune.
"There may be different opinions among us as Turkey is a democratic country. We tell on every occasion that we respect all opinions as long as they are peaceful and non-violent, " noted Bagis.
Bagis pointed out that "However, these different opinions have a common ground that Istanbul will host the olympic games with Turkey's 5th candidacy. It is a common platform for us," highlighting the meaningful slogan "Let's build bridges" during Turkey's candidacy process.
Bagis also stressed that there are similar demonstrations, protests and following incidents in major cities in today's world, saying "There are instances of security forces excessing their authority."
"Nobody should dare to use these protests against Turkey," said Bagis, warning protesters of provocators.
Defining the youth involving in Taksim Gezi Park protests as "our children," Bagis added that "We may have differences in our language, style, age and generation. However, we love them all and have the self-confidence to settle the issue and related problems via dialogue."
Upon the question regarding the statements of European Parliament (EP) Socialist Group Leader Hannes Swoboda that “negotiations for Turkey’s accession might be postponed due to Gezi Park events”, Bagis said, “EU member countries also witness such events during which police use excessive force, however EU Commission has not even criticize for once.”
Bagis said, “If Swoboda had suspended Austria’s relations with EU when police used excessive force against such protests, then we could have considered his comments.”
Bagis added, Swoboda canceled main opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu’s meeting recently, if he thought to make such comment for showing his impartiality by leaving the government in a difficult situation this time, “I was shocked by his behavior, because he is one of the politicians that I respect.”
Bagis announced he requested appointment from Swoboda on June 26, “to understand what he wanted to say”, within the scope of his trip to Brussels on June 25 and 26.
"If the EU is really sensitive on Turkey’s democratization, transparency, human rights, freedom of expression and gathering, it should determine the criteria for 23rd and 24th chapters, save itself from the dominance of Greek Cypriots, and tell Turkey the lacking points that it identifies,” said Bagis. He added, Turkey is ready to take necessary steps after hearing the lacking points and comparing them to the freedoms in other EU countries.
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