ANKARA
Turkish President Abdullah Gul said on Tuesday that extremist movements that were fed by ethnocentrism, racism and Islamophobia posed a threat firstly to Europe's own values.
It is my sincere desire to see prevention of those kinds of threats from spreading, Gul added.
Gul released a massage and celebrated May 9, Europe Day.
On the occasion of Europe Day, I celebrate the Europe Day of whole European nations, particularly Turkish citizens who live in Europe, stated Gul in his message.
Gul said that in the past Turkey made significant sacrifices to protect free world's values, especially Europe's values.
Gul stated that Turkey still had the desire to be a member of European Union.
"Turkey, with a social and political agreement, is progressing towards EU membership and Turkey is experiencing a comprehensive transitional period. Along with the reforms, building a more democratic, prosperous and powerful Turkey is a priority of our national values," said Gul.
Turkey's membership will contribute to the EU, stated Gul.
"Turkey undoubtedly will add strong position to EU on economy, energy as well as foreign relations and security issues. Turkey's membership is a unique opportunity for EU to show its values to larger areas in the world," said Gul.
"By using economic crisis as an excuse, extremist movements that are fed by racism and Islamophobia pose a threat firstly to Europe's own values," added Gul.
