The Turkish state has lost its patience and its stimulus for accession to the EU, said Turkish President Erdogan in a statement to regional authorities in Ankara.

“If the European Union discards this useless hostility, then we are ready for full membership. If there are steps towards the abolition of visas, aid for the refugees, opening of negotiation chapters, we will also show our good intentions. We will keep our promises, if Europe does what is necessary,” said Erdogan.

Erdogan added that Turkey is a European country and its eviction from Europe is impossible.

“Turkey is a European country. The EU and circles with racist attitudes do not possess the power to evict us. We are at home in Europe.”

Earlier on Thursday, Turkish PM Binali Yıldırım pointed out that Ankara will not halt its interaction with Europe but the EU must establish more rational relations with the Republic.

“If Turkey had not dealt with the problems of the refugees in the region over the last 5-6 years, the situation of Europe today would have been discouraging,” added the PM.

At the same time, Erdogan specified the aims of the Turkish operation Euphrates Shield in Syria.

“The aim of the operation Euphrates Shield is not a country or a person. It is targeted against terrorist organisations. Let no one doubt that and look for a different meaning. Turkey, even if it remains alone, will continue to fight terrorism,” stated the head of state.

Erdogan added that the country faces opposition on the part of the West on this issue.

“The fact that the West is concerned about the policy of Turkey with respect to Syria and Iraq does not mean that it is interested in the sovereignty of these countries. Western states are there because there is oil in these countries,” pointed out Erdogan.

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