The Italian foreign minister expresses hope that Chapter 23 and 24 for Turkey’s EU accession will be opened.
World Bulletin / News Desk
The Gezi park protests accelerated Turkey-EU relations, Italian Foreign Minister Emma Bonino told the press on Monday.
Gezi park demonstrations which started in Istanbul over the re-development plans of a central Istanbul park when a group of activists staged a sit-in protest in late May, later turned into anti-government protests.
Bonino emphazised the protests allowed Turkey-EU relations to gain momentum.
Stating that Chapter 22 for Turkey’s EU accession on regional policies was opened, Bonino expressed hope that Chapter 23 and 24 on “judiciary and fundamental rights” and “justice, freedom and security,” respectively will be opened.
The foreign minister, also touching on the Syria crisis, said Turkey carries a heavy burden by hosting a great number of refugees.
“The Syrian opposition must get rid of Al-Qaeda affiliated extremists groups within its body before the Geneva 2 Conference set for January 22,” Bonino said.
Regarding the ongoing protests in Ukraine, which began in November when President Yanukovych rejected to sign a deal on closer ties with the EU, Bonino said what is urgently needed in Ukraine is to prevent a civil war and ease the unrest.
via Italian FM: Gezi Park protests accelerated Turkey-EU relations | Diplomacy | World Bulletin.