Erdogan and peace in the Middle East

Turkish Premier Recep Tayyep Erdogan on Sunday underlined the importance of reaching peace in the Middle East and making the Mediterranean basin an area of peace.

Erdogan told the Italian newspaper of La Republica in an interview that his country could play an effective role that contributes to achieving stability in the region. On Turkey's bid to join the European Union, he called on some EU countries to stop asking new demands or putting provisions for this issue, adding that his country will not accept any new provisions or demands otherwise "Turkey is ready to relinquish this matter."