"Every country which has become an EU member had to go through a difficult accession talks process. Which is why our talks will also be difficult. Turkey, with its current underpinnings, is strong and capable enough to get through the talks without too much difficulty.....We will get through this together, shoulder to shoulder."
Speaker of the Turkish Parliament, Bulent Arinc, who was also present at the press conference, added the following to PM Erdogan's statement:
"Turkey has come to the most important point in the EU process; the starting of the accession talks. Turkey has never wanted to be treated differently than other candidates, or to be offered a so-called 'privileged partner' status in the place of full membership."
