Sezer emphasizes Turkey’s commitment to EU

In a statement released in honor of May 9, Europe Day, Sezer said the day, which had begun to be celebrated in 2000, had become a tradition in Turkey. He noted that this year the day had come only a week after the EU had experienced its biggest-ever expansion.

He said the main objective of Turkey, which shared the modern values of Europe, was to start membership negotiations and that the country was committed to fulfilling all its political criteria thus enabling this to happen. Reforms implemented in order to satisfy the people’s demand for democracy and respect for the rule of law and human rights proved that Turkey belonged, said Sezer. He added: "It is our hope the decision that will be reached by the EU in December will boost our efforts to continue the process of becoming full members. I wish everyone a happy Europe Day in the belief that the EU will look to the future as well as the present while considering its decision in December."