TÜRKÇE
  Updated: 11/12/2017

EU Minister Ömer Çelik attended the 36th meeting of Türkiye-EU Joint Consultative Committee

Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Ömer Çelik attended the 36th meeting of Türkiye-EU Joint Consultative Committee held in Brussels.

The 36th meeting of Türkiye-EU Joint Consultative Committee started with a minute of silence for 15 July martyrs.

EU Minister Ömer Çelik delivered an opening speech at the meeting which brings together civil society and business organisations from Türkiye and the EU.

Explaining that Türkiye-EU Joint Consultative Committee, which is an important part of the recently increasing Türkiye-EU dialogue, had essentially contributed to the Türkiye's accession process, Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Ömer Çelik said, "I firmly believe that this contribution will also continue in the coming period."

Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator, Ömer Çelik stated that he attached importance to this platform which is comprised of certain representative organisations of employees and employers, since it helps the parties understand each other correctly, eliminate the existing misperceptions and thus the accession negotiations progress on a sound basis.  

Noting that the EU should revise its attitude regarding Türkiye's accession process, Minister Çelik said, "EU should support Türkiye through realizing the reasons behind the fight against terrorism, launching visa liberalisation and particularly giving impetus to the accession process taking into consideration the difficult period that our surrounding region was going through".

Underlining that Türkiye had fulfilled its own responsibilities in relation to the 5 chapters which they had started the work on following the Türkiye-EU Summit held on 29 November 2015, he said,

"Türkiye is frequently criticized over fundamental rights, freedom of expression and freedom of press.  Speaking as the Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator, I would like to reiterate that we are taking into consideration any constructive criticism and we wish to advance together. In order for that to happen, Chapters 23 and 24 should be opened. Opening these chapters to negotiations will allow the issues for which Türkiye is often criticised by the EU to be discussed on a sound basis".

"Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus has taken the future of the EU as collateral through its uncompromising attitude in the Crans Montana, which was a great opportunity for the settlement of the Cyprus issue", said Minister Çelik adding "We expect that the EU Member States should get rid of the vision of Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus as soon as possible".

Minister Çelik also referred to the recent resolution of the European Parliament:

"There are still some who do not understand the nature and the consequences of the coup attempt that took place in Türkiye.  With its resolution of 5 April 2017, the European Parliament persisted in its vicious approach which is bereft of vision.

Stating that a best example of the effective outcomes of Türkiye-EU cooperation had been seen during the migration crisis, Minister Çelik said "After holding 3 summits, we have taken steps towards not only intensifying relations between Türkiye and EU but also eliminating one of the worst tragedies of all times."

Minister Çelik stated his belief that Türkiye and EU would meet the remaining requirements of the Visa Liberalisation Road Map after reaching an agreement on a common basis, and added "However visa-free travel for our citizens should be guaranteed without any delay after we take the required steps" 


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Updated: 11/12/2017 / Hit: 6,817