Baku, Azerbaijan, April 5
By Rufiz Hafizoglu – Trend:
Turkey should not be perceived as a military base for the European Union to fight terrorism, Turkish Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Omer Celik said, Turkish media reported on April 5.
The minister noted that some EU countries believe in necessity of developing relations with Turkey only in order to combat terrorist organizations.
"Turkey wants the EU to conduct negotiations with Ankara in all areas, including full membership," said Celik.
Previously, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said that Turkey does not need the EU, nevertheless, the European Union must make a final decision on Ankara's membership in this structure as soon as possible.
Yildirim added that Islamophobia has recently grown in the EU and this could lead Europe to a serious crisis.
An association agreement between the EU and Turkey was signed in 1963. Ankara filed an application for membership in the EU in 1987, but accession negotiations were launched in 2005.
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