Journal of Turkish Weekly, Turkey
Dec 18 2004

Muslim and Turkic World Welcomed; Armenians Protested EU’s Turkey Decision

“Turkey’s Accession to the EU will positively affect Europe’s
relations with the Muslim world.” Nawab Han, Iranian journalist

Jan SOYKOK (JTW)
18 December 2004

The European Union’s historic decision to start negotiations with
Turkey has welcomed by Turkic world and Muslim world while the Greek
Cypriots were disappointed with the decision. The Armenian Diaspora
groups protested the EU decision.

Nawab Han, from IRNA Iranian News Agency said Turkey’s entry will
change the idea of that the EU is a Christian club. I believe “The
EU’ Turkey decision will positively impact Europe-Islamic world
relations” added Iranian journalist Han.

Bedir Al-Sarhan from Kuwait News Agency argued Turkey’s entry to the
EU will help the EU in understanding the true nature of Islam.
“Turkey, as a European Muslim state, will be a model for the Muslim
world” added Kuwaiti journalist.

Similarly diplomats and journalist from the Turkic world welcomed
Turkey decision. An Azerbaijani diplomat said that a EU member Turkey
will help regional stability in the Caucasus and Central Asia.

On the other hand about 2,300 Armenians protested the EU’s Turkey
decision in Brussels. The Armenian protesters defended that Turkey
has to accept the 1915 events as ‘genocide’ if it wants to enter the
EU.