UPDATE - EU should be clear on its stance on Turkey: PM

UPDATE WITH PM'S REMARKS ON GROWTH RATE AND TOURISM

By Muhammet Emin Avundukluoglu

ANKARA (AA) - Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said on Tuesday the EU should be clear on its stance on Turkey.

Speaking to Justice and Development (AK) Party lawmakers, Yildirim said: "The question should be asked here is this: What is the decision of the European Union on Turkey?

"We cannot allow the EU to wear Turkey out."

Yildirim recalled that Turkey has fulfilled its obligations to the EU.

"Will the EU proceed with a new vision, a vision of enlargement, an inclusive vision, or will it proceed while retiring into its shell?"

Yildirim's remarks came after Monday's Turkey-EU summit held under the leadership of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, European Council President Donald Tusk and EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in Varna, Bulgaria.

In a joint news conference, Erdogan said that it would be a "grave mistake" for Europe to push Turkey out of its expansion policy.

Pointing at the EU's lack of support for Turkey's fight against terrorism, Yildirim said: "Considering Turkey's fight with FETO [Fetullah Terror Organization], the PKK, YPG and all kinds of terror organizations as an obstacle for our relations bothers us."

He added a secure Turkey was crucial for the security of the European bloc.

Turkey applied for EU membership in 1987 while accession talks began in 2005.

However, negotiations stalled in 2007 due to the objections of the Greek Cypriot administration in the divided island of Cyprus, as well as opposition from Germany and France.

To gain membership, Turkey has to successfully conclude negotiations on 35 policy chapters that involve reforms and the adoption of European standards.

As of May 2016, a total of 16 chapters had been opened and one concluded. However, in December 2016, the member states said no new chapters would be opened.

Yildirim was also optimistic about Turkey's estimated growth rate for 2017.

"Turkey's 2017 growth rate will be between 7-7.5 percent. This is a record," said Yildirim.

Turkey aims an annual economic growth of 5.5 percent until 2020 in its medium-term economic program.

Yildirim also said that the tourism bookings for this year were on the rise compared to previous years "despite all the negative campaigns against Turkey".

"According to the estimations, we will be hosting 38 million guests in Turkey this year," he said.

Turkey hosted over 32 million tourists in 2017 and for $26.5 billion worth of earnings.