Davutoglu: We will continue our open door policy for Syrians

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Wednesday said that Turkey would continue its 'open door' policy for Syrians. Speaking at a joint press conference with the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton in Turkish capital of Ankara, Ahmet Davutoglu underlined that those who keep their silence at a time when a large number of Syrian refugees are crossing into Turkey should be ashamed of themselves. "The 'open door' policy is a matter of honor for us," Davutoglu indicated. "We come together with Ms. Ashton from time to time with a busy agenda. Today, we discussed the momentum reached in Turkey-EU relations for the opening of new chapters to negotiations and the issue of visa exemption (for Turkish citizens)," Davutoglu noted. "We had a chance to evaluate the talks for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the EU and the US. As a member of the Customs Union, Turkey follows very closely the negotiations between the EU and the US and believes it deserves to be a part of the new system to be established," Davutoglu said. "We will hold talks on the FTA with both sides. The region to be formed as a result of the FTA will carry the interests of all sides to the maximum level," Davutoglu stated. "During our talks today, the new situation in Cyprus following the elections in the Greek Cypriot administration came up. Turkey and the EU believe that the new situation in the island presents a new 'window of opportunity'," Davutoglu emphasized. Davutoglu said that he shared Turkey's stance on a decision of the Greek Cypriot assembly on natural resources of the island with Catherine Ashton. "Turkey's stance is clear. Impositions made can not bring any changes in the island," Davutoglu stressed. Consultations on Cyprus will continue, Davutoglu noted. Davutoglu said that Ashton and he discussed the talks between Iran and the P5+1 countries (Five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany). Praising Ashton's efforts on Iran's nuclear program, Ahmet Davutoglu indicated that Turkey was ready to make contributions on the matter. I have conveyed Turkey's thoughts to Ashton on a meeting to be held in Almaty on Iran's nuclear program, Davutoglu said. Touching on the dialogue process implemented by Ashton between Belgrade and Pristina, Davutoglu said that Turkey and the EU were always in close consultation with each other on the Balkans. "Turkey appreciates the progress in the Balkans. Turkey is ready to make any effort needed for the stability and future of the Balkans," Davutoglu noted. "The latest developments in Syria came up in our talks on Wednesday. Turkey and the EU share a common stance as part of the Group of Friends of the Syrian People. We shared our conclusion with Ashton that the international community and the EU had to display a more determined stance from now on vis-a-vis Syria," Davutoglu said. Davutoglu said that Ashton and he also discussed Palestine and the developments in northern Africa. Ashton, in her part, said that Davutoglu and she met each other many times in different corners of the world. Every time we meet, there are many issues to talk about, Ashton stressed. "Turkey is crucial for the EU based on our activities in the region and the world. Mr. Davutoglu and I discussed bilateral relations," Ashton said. "I wish to see Turkey's relations with the EU develop. I presented information to Mr. Davutoglu on the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. We also discussed the latest developments in Syria," Ashton stated. Turkey's assistance to Syrian refugees appreciated Touching on Syrians hosted by Turkey, Ashton underlined that she appreciated Turkey's assistance to the Syrian refugees whose lives have been shattered and changed forever. On a meeting to be held in Kazakhstan regarding Iran's nuclear activities, Ashton said that she hoped the Almaty meeting would be successful. "I do hope that Iran would carefully think about the proposal we will place on the table," Ashton underlined. Asked about her expectations from the Almaty meeting and if the EU's possible sanctions on Iran may be effective or not, Ashton said that she expected the Almaty meeting to be different and successful. "We have presented Iran a renewed proposal that would build confidence. We are in a position to wait for Iran's response. I always preserve my optimism," Ashton stressed. Asked about what she thought on the normalization of relations between Turkey and Israel, Ashton indicated that she was pleased to see the normalization of relations. "I congratulate the prime ministers of Turkey and Israel. When you consider what happened, such a development was not easy. I believe that the development could facilitate an atmosphere in which bilateral relations get reestablished and contribute to Turkey's role for peace in the Middle East," Ashton also said.