Germany: Bavarian minister on security fears over Turkey’s EU entry

ddp news agency, Berlin
28 Sep 04

entitled “Beckstein: Integrating Turkey would make the EU security situation
deteriorate”

Passau: Bavarian Interior Minister Guenther Beckstein, Christian Social
Union (CSU), has warned against a deterioration in the EU’s security
situation following the integration of Turkey. In an interview with
Passauer Neue Presse (28 September edition), Beckstein said: “As a
friend of Turkey, I am glad that Germany does not have to get along
with neighbours like the ones the government in Ankara has. Syria,
Iraq, Iran and Armenia – all these countries have enormous security
problems. These difficulties, which are unlikely to be solved, would
move even closer to the EU should Turkey join the EU.” This applies
to terrorism as well as to organized crime and the narcotics trade.