Turkish membership to the EU is very important for Turkey. I consider the EU as a union of states seeking for a more prosperous and better future, Erkut Emcioğlu, International Relations Coordinator of ARI Movement said in an interview with PanARMENIAN.Net. Turkey has been on the track since 1959 and albeit some ups and downs maintained its target to become a member. It is a state policy. The process of transformation in which Turkey currently is turns it into a more democratic modern state. I strongly support Turkish membership to the EU. It is also important to note that the future Turkish entry to the Union is also crucial for Europe's future. Will Europe become a real global economic and political power, preventing the clash of civilizations and promoting peace and harmony and offering wealth to more nations?" he said.

As to amendment or cancellation of Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code, the Turkish political scientist said, "I think the use of this article has been very abusive and authors such as Orhan Pamuk or Elif Safak have been subject to prosecution. However, the public opinion leaders see the danger and strongly fight for it to be modified. ARI Movement is among the NGOs which push in this direction."

Full text of the interview