Turkish Press
Oct 6 2004
Reactions Of Business Circles To E.U. Report
ISTANBUL/ANKARA – Turkish business circles assessed the Progress
Report of the European Commission about Turkey which was published
today.
Turkish Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Association (TUSIAD)
released a statement and said, ”a historical progress was recorded
in relations between Turkey and the European Union (EU) with the
report.”
”Turkey, which advances on negotiation process with the EU, will
have important political, economic and social contributions to the
future of Europe,” said the statement.
TUSIAD said, ”the decision is a test for the EU in the aspects of
political maturity and democratic ethic.”
Meanwhile, the Independent Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s
Association (MUSIAD) Chairman Omer Bolat said regarding the report
that according to the expressions in the report, full membership
seemed to take a long way for Turkey.
”Turkey enters a new process but full membership is not close,”
added Bolat.
Bolat said, ”the EU pursued its unwillingness and double standards
about Turkey.” He added, ”foreign policy of Turkish government
should not be indexed only to the EU.”
Meanwhile, Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO) Chairman Sinan Aygun said
regarding the report that details in the report were not known.
”They say ‘we make you EU member but we will not permit you to move
within the EU’. It is like an invitation of someone to a meal but not
allowing him to eat. I think this attitude is wrong. They present
special status as if it were a normal condition. Which of the EU
members do not have free movement permit?” said Aygun.
Aygun said, ”they say there are many missions to accomplish. What
will happen about Cyprus, Aegean, southeast, minority and human
rights issues? Will they ask us to accept so-called Armenian
genocide? Will they ask us to open a seminary? We cannot see them
clearly.”