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Turkey: Pittella - 'EU can ask for reforms but has to support path to integration'

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Gianni-Pittella-CY-IBNA-565x282The president of the Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament will visit Turkey this Wednesday and Thursday (29-30 October 2014) for talks with Turkish officials and leaders.

Before departing, Gianni Pittella said: "Turkey is a major geopolitical, economic and cultural partner for the European Union and a candidate to become part of our European family.

"We in the S&D Group have never supported the idea of keeping Ankara at arm's length from Bruxelles or, even worse, isolated. We strongly support a fully European perspective for Turkey. A future direction that can only increase stability and bring positive developments for both the European Union and for Turkey itself.

"My three-day visit to Istanbul and Ankara will focus on this message: we want Turkey to look to the EU as a natural partner. No matter how long this process takes, the EU has to promote reforms on the rule of law, justice, fundamental rights and freedoms – which will help Turkey to strengthen the rule of law and democracy.

"Turkey as a candidate country has rights but also obligations. Europe has the right to ask for reforms but also the obligation to support Turkey in every way on its path towards European Union membership."

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