Turkish PM supports ‘Turkish-Lira zone’ alternative to eurozone

BERLIN - Reuters

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Some suggest Turkey stay out of the eurozone and establish a “Turkish-Lira zone” instead as accession talks with the European Union continue, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said.

“Securing political stability in Europe is critically important to maintain the confidence of European societies in the union and the euro,” said Erdoğan, who is in Berlin for a two-day visit, in a statement at the Nicolas Berggruen Institute.

“I know that there are some EU member countries which say ‘I am against the euro, I do not want to take part in the eurozone.’ For instance Britain… It is quite self-satisfied. They even say ‘You should stay away from the eurozone, you can establish a Turkish-Lira zone.’ And I said I think the same way, too. The EU should check up on itself regarding the [monetary system],” he said.

Turkish PM Erdoğan will meet with German Chancellor Merkel today to discuss both regional and bilateral issues, including the Syrian crisis.

PM: Turkey will join EU by 2023

ISTANBUL

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said yesterday in Berlin that he expected Turkey to join the European Union by the year 2023, which marks the 100th anniversary of the Turkish Republic, reported daily Milliyet.

"I don't think we will have to wait until 2023. This would be a great loss for the EU. It would lose Turkey, where Islam and democracy exist together. Turkey is a country with a population of 75 million people and a rising economic growth graphic which can make a crucial contribution to the EU," he said, in response to a reporters' question: "Do you expect Turkey to join the EU before 2023?"

Erdoğan was in Germany for the inauguration ceremony of the new Turkish Embassy building.