Commenting on Turkey's ongoing EU process and replying to questions during a conference at Istanbul's Kultur University, Bağış said, "French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have not been using the expression of 'privileged partnership' for the last 6 months. The steps taken by Turkey have a great role in such development".
Bağış also said that Turkey had a tough year in its EU process, and chapters on taxation and environment were opened to negotiation during the rotating presidencies of the Czech Republic and Sweden.
"There will not be elections in Turkey in 2010. We would like to work together with the opposition parties to pass reform laws in the parliament," Bağış said.
Regarding Cyprus issue, Bağış said that Turkey's expectations on the matter were clear.
"Cyprus issue should not constitute a problem for Turkey's EU membership just like it did not cause any problems in the candidacy and membership of the Greek Cypriot party. It takes two to tango and we are on the stage waiting for Greek Cypriots. We will not give up on Cyprus just to become an EU member," he said.
