Turkish President comments on EU’s stance on his country

Turkish President Abdullah Gul has told European leaders that the EU needs his country as a member if it wants to remain a global force. “It is sad to observe that some European leaders do not properly see the future of the world in the span of 20, 50, 70 years time,” Gul said. “Given the fact that the international balance of power tends to shift towards the East and Asia, it is, indeed, a strategic imperative for the EU to have Turkey as a member.” The European Commission is set to release a progress report on Turkey’s bid for membership later on Tuesday. It is expected to criticise the speed of reforms to guarantee the freedom of the press.