The relations between Russia and Turkey entered into a really positive stage. I am sure that steps we both take will widen our cooperation.

70 percent of Turkey’s citizens favored the EU; today it is only 50 percent. If you ask if they want Turkey to become an EU member, 60 to 65 percent still say yes. But if you ask: Do you believe Europe will accept Turkey, 60 percent say no.

Our bilateral relations and our agreement [between Turkey and America] on the extradition of criminals should dominate and precede actually any inclusion into any list.

What should be targeted is a concept of organic, and not just mechanic, democracy that preserves the rule of law, separation of powers, and that is participatory and pluralistic.

I take the debate on the method of promoting democracy seriously

The US and the European Union needs to help in the translation of the demand for democracy into a political will.

Everyone should unconditionally accept that Israel is an indispensable element of the Middle Eastern mosaic.