Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said Friday, "since a date has not been set for Turkey's membership to the EU, it is Turkey's own initiative when and how to make reforms."

- 09 / 05 / 2008 11:12

Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said Friday, "since a date has not been set for Turkey's membership to the EU, it is Turkey's own initiative when and how to make reforms."

Babacan hosted a breakfast at Ankara's Swissotel in honor of the ambassadors of EU-member and candidate countries on the occasion of May 9th Europe Day.

Speaking at the breakfast, Babacan said, "today's Europe is an area of peace and stability. However, conditions in the 21st century entail the Union to adopt a wider vision."

"Turkey's target is to become a full member of the EU. Therefore, we expect the Union to display a stimulative attitude in the negotiation process instead of creating political obstacles," he said.

"The EU process has made Turkey a more foreseeable country. Since a date has not been set for Turkey's membership to the EU, it is Turkey's own initiative when and how to make reforms. Whenever our membership date/timetable becomes clear, we can then display a different stance," Babacan added.