ARMENIAN PATRIARCH CELEBRATES START OF EU ACCESSION TALKS

His Beatitude Mesrob II, Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul and All Turkey, sent messages to Prime Minister Recep Tayip Erdogan, Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, Minister of State and Chief Negotiator Ali Babacan, and the Prime Minister’s Ambassador to the General Secretariat of the European Union Emin Murat Sungar, congratulating the 59th government of Turkey and all those in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the official start of accession talks between Turkey and the EU.

Emphasizing that this success came about through “determination, perseverance, and decisiveness,” the Patriarch said that he was praying that the talks, which began on 3 October, be for the well-being of the country and all its citizens, and that they soon result in Turkey’s entrance into the EU as a full member.

The Patriarch also said that the entrance of Turkey, which has a largely Muslim population, into the European Union was of living value for world peace. He stressed that the membership of Turkey in the European Union is therefore an opportunity not just for Turkey and Europe, but also for reconciliation between civilizations and dialogue that must not be lost.

The Patriarch expressed the hope that in spite of the continuing exclusivist and skeptical attitude of some circles that continue to be present, Turkey will emerge successful from the talks. He said, “This is wonderful news for the future of the upcoming generation.”