"If Turkey’s EU bid is not accepted EU faces radicalism"

Replying a question about the latest point reached in Turkey’s EU process during his press conference the same day, Cicek said that Turkey’s EU membership was a modernization project. Defending that ignorance was the cause of resistance of some circles in Turkey against EU membership, Cicek said that problems in the education system underlay all problems in Turkey and education was in "miserable" condition at universities.

When reminded of regulations regarding broadcast in different languages and teaching of different languages and dialects which have not yet released and asked if there is any resistance about this issue, Cicek said that EU process necessitated a democratic patience. "There can’t be a change just in one day. So there is not need to panic. Everything is done in a proper fashion. Change of mentality can’t happen in a short time. EU is a matter of mentality. Each of us should review our mentality. Most of them are caused by lack of information."

When reminded of some opinions which say, "some circles would win the return match and backward step would be taken on human rights practices" if the EU would not set a date for opening of accession talks with Turkey in December, Cicek said, "EU is a state policy. Turkey has fulfilled its commitments. If a date is not set in December of 2004, it would be the shame of the EU and it would be the EU side which suffers the most damage. Political criteria are not kindness or compliment. Turkey has fulfilled those criteria. However, I can’t say anything if the EU has some other plans except those criteria."

"If a date is not set, it won’t be the end of the world. If Turkey is not accepted by the EU, then Europe encounters insolent face of radicalism. Besides, as a Moslem country which is also democratic, Turkey’s contribution to EU’s security will be big. If Turkey can’t join the EU, EU member countries will suffer much damage while we continue walking on our modern path," he added.