Turkey’s EU Minister Bağış signals end of his term

ISTANBUL

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Turkey’s European Union Minister Egemen Bağış gave a cryptic speech July 15 during his annual iftar dinner, stating this may be his last iftar as “the EU Minister,” according to daily Hurriyet. 

“This perhaps is my last iftar with you as the EU Minister,” Bağış said, adding that he would continue to work within the accession process no matter what his future titles would be.

Bağış told his colleagues that every position had its term, adding, “We do not know whether or not we are to repeat our duties. If our party gives us a different job to do, we will give our best to that post as well.”

“We have to open space for new friends too. You need to have a political maturity. In case I’m not at this post next Ramadan, I just wanted to take this present opportunity. It doesn’t mean I’m staying, and it doesn’t mean I’m leaving.”

When asked about reporters whether or not he was signaling the end of his term, Bağış said, “You never know what tomorrow brings.”

Bağış has been one of the most sensational names of the ruling party government, often making headlines with his remarks towards both national and international figures.