By Selen Tonkus
ANKARA (AA) - Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn said, "I am really, deeply convinced that it would be an enormous mistake to stop Turkey's EU process."
Speaking to AA correspondent on the sidelines of the first presidential level visit from Luxemburg to Turkey, Asselborn said since the opening of embassy in Ankara, bilateral relations had gone more intensive.
"We have a lot of comprehension for Turkey inLuxembourg in political and economical terms," said Asselborn, adding Turkish airlines' establishing direct flight from Istanbul to Luxembourg in 2013 also played a positive role.
Asselborn stated that he has observed a lot of confidence in Ankara that Luxembourg would try to push the negotiations in Brussels. He added the process would in the interest of both sides.
- "23rd and 24th chapters should be opened, too" -
Asked of his opinion about Turkey's opening of 22nd chapter on regional policy, Asselborn said, "Chapter 22 is very important but there are more important chapters. I am convinced that even in the Greek presidency we could have positive debate about opening other chapters like Chapter 23 on Judiciary and fundamental rights and Chapter 24 on Justice, freedom and security."
He added, "We must not stop the process for another 3 years. Therefore Luxembourg is on the side of those who want to lead this negotiation process in positive direction."
- "Turkey showed its heart to Syrians"
Reminded that he would visit camps in Turkish bordertown Gaziantep where Syrians take shelter, Asselborn said his country had worked very hard between April and October in the UN Security Council to have a presidential statement on the humanitarian crisis.
"It was not easy to convince all five countries who have veto right but we have done it. On 18 November during EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels, I told that we should really transform the statement into a resolution," said Asselborn.
Praising Turkey's efforts of Syrian refugees, Asselborn said, "What you are doing as Turkey, together with Jordan and Lebanon is enormous. You have around 200.000 refugees in the camps and 400.000 people outside the camps. You have already USD 2 billion. We have to help through UN organizations, that is clear."
"You showed your heart for these people and that really honors you."
Speaking on the solution for the political crisis in Syria, Asselborn underlined the need for gathering international conference in Geneva.
He added, "There is a good point that in Istanbul the oppositon is now on the track."
Asselborn also said, "The problem is if you want diplomatic solution, you have to negotiate with the regime. The EU, and UN Security Council and regional countries have big responsibility. I hope one big country in the region, which is your Eastern neighbor (Iran) will show humanitarian reflex to think about how can we stop brutality in Syria."
- "Bilateral trade can increase"
Upon the question about the purpose of and expectations from the visit, Asselborn emphasized that almost 100 businessmen were among the delegation which showed the seriosness attributed to the visit by Luxembourg.
Asselborn mentioned that cooperation on services and financial transactions were already in high levels, and added that the trade of goods could also be increased.
"I think economy is also psychological. If the relations are good, if Turkey's image is good in our country, a lot is possible in the future," said Asselborn, adding "We will see the positive consequences in the following months."
englishnews@aa.com.tr
