Munich, 11/02/2008 (Agence Europe) - In a speech delivered during the 44th Munich Conference on Security Policy on Saturday 9 February, Turkey's prime minister stressed at length the role that his country plays with regard to stability in South-East Europe and the Middle East. Its geographical situation confers upon it strategic importance not only from the energy point of view but also from the aspect of transport to and from the EU. Recep Tayyip ERdogan deplored the fact that Turkey is not able to take part in the “ESDP decision-making process” and that certain European states do not show solidarity with Turkey in its fight against PKK terrorism (here he was alluding to the fact that some members of this organisation have stayed in Europe, which has refused to extradite them towards Turkey). Mr Erdogan reaffirmed that Turkey's aim remains “full EU membership with equal rights” and that it is out of the question for his country to accept the “privileged partnership” evoked by some in Europe. “Rules cannot be changed in the middle of the game”, he added. When asked about the Iranian nuclear issue, Mr Erdogan called for an equitable approach towards Iran which has the same right as the other countries to nuclear power for civilian purposes as well as the right to develop armaments, including missiles. (O.J.)