Turkey expresses determination to go on with reforms

ANKARA (A.A) - February 9, 2012- Turkey's European Union (EU) minister and chief negotiator expressed determination on Thursday to go on with reforms. Egemen Bagis said Turkey's pace made some political circles within the EU uneasy, however Turkish government was determined to keep on making reforms for the sake of citizens. "Technical negotiations with the EU may sometimes be considered boring, however we have opened 'solidarity chapter' in addition to the negotiated chapters with the union, thanks to the assistance the EU has provided after earthquakes that hit Van province," Bagis said during his meeting with European Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response Kristalina Georgieva over a breakfast in Ankara. Bagis said the EU had proved that it was Turkish nation's friend with its post-earthquake assistance, and temporary dwellings had been constructed in Van with 10 million Turkish liras (TL) of fund provided by the EU. "I will go to Van with Georgieva tomorrow to inspect the housing units," Bagis said. In her part, Georgieva said she would discuss ways to boost cooperation in humanitarian aid during her talks with Turkish executives. Georgieva appreciated Turkey's humanitarian aid to regions which were facing problems including Afghanistan, Pakistan and Somalia. Bagis and Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz and he would have a quartet meeting with European Commissioner for enlargement Stefan Fule and Commissioner for energy Guenter Ottinger in Istanbul later on Thursday.