HELSINKI, Finland
Turkey will make every effort to protect Muslims in Austria, especially those of Turkish descent from getting harmed because of a recently approved controversial bill, Turkey's EU minister said Thursday.
The Austrian parliament voted by majority to approve a bill Wednesday, which aims to revise a historic law on the status of Muslims in Austria. Islam has been an official religion in Austria since 1912. The Islam law, known as "Islam Gesetz," was introduced by Austria's last emperor, Franz Josef, after the Austro-Hungarian Empire annexed Bosnia-Herzegovina.
"We cannot accept any harm to Muslims because of this law and we will make every effort to prevent such harm," Volkir Bozkir told The Anadolu Agency during his visit to the Finland’s capital, Helsinki.
Bozkir also said reactions against the law must be within limits. "The reactions should not be excessive and they should be expressed in line with democracy," he said.
The law has drawn criticism from Muslims across the world.
"Turkey is sharing its opinions about this issue with Austria," he added.
The minister also spoke about the increase of racism and Islamophobia in Europe. "The removal of Islamophobia and racist terms, and convergence of cultures and religions is a cure to prevent radicalism," he said.
He urged all parties and sects to unify against racism.
Kabul attack
About the bomb attack in Afghanistan’s capital Kabul that killed a Turkish soldier Thursday, Bozkir said, "Such events will not prevent Turkey from its struggle of achieving peace and stability in the world."
Two people, including a Turkish soldier, were reported dead and another person was wounded in the early morning attack on a convoy in Kabul.
Bozkir said Afghanistan was an important country and Turkey would continue to contribute to its stability. He also conveyed his condolences to the family of the fallen Turkish soldier, Adem Sengul.
Turkey's EU membership
Bozkir said Turkey remained hopeful that EU would open talks on economic and monetary policy under Turkey's accession negotiations would be opened soon. Turkey applied for the EU membership in 1987 and accession talks began in 2005.
To gain membership, Turkey must successfully conclude negotiations with the EU in all 35 "chapters," or policy areas, which involve reforms and the adoption of European standards.
"If there is no political blockade, the chapter will be opened soon," Bozkir added.
So far, 14 chapters have been opened, while 17 remain blocked and another four have yet to be discussed.
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