Journal of Turkish Weekly
Sept 23 2005
French proposal for special partnership
ANKARA – Text defines ‘privileged partnership’ under 8 headings:
common commercial policy, support for state of law, immigration
control, maritime security cooperation, development aid, joint
defense and foreign policies, peaceful solution to Cyprus problem and
cultural cooperation
In an obvious reply to claims that the idea of “privileged
partnership” is an unclear idea, French members of the European
People’s Party, the largest group in the European Parliament, have
prepared a draft text on just how a special status for Turkey would
be defined.
Jacques Toubon, member of the European People’s Party (Christian
Democrats), gave the three-page document to ABHaber, a news website
based inBrussels.
The text defines privileged partnership under eight headings: a
common commercial policy, support for the state of law, control of
immigration, cooperation in maritime security, aid to development,
joint defense and foreign policies, peaceful solution to the Cyprus
problem and cultural cooperation.
The paper urges the full implementation and the extension of the
Customs Union. It goes as far as saying that Turkey can be integrated
into commerce-related councils and working groups on trade policy.
The paper claims that judicial cooperation between Turkey and the
European Union should continue with the aim of enhancing democratic
development in Turkey and pay particular attention to women’s rights
and to the freedom of expression. It also refers to the “Armenian
genocide” — claiming that Turkey was the only country in the world
to deny it.
Turkey and the EU should cooperate in a concrete manner on the
control of immigration and maritime security as well as common
foreign and defense policy, says the text. It also urges cooperation
in cultural policy.
The paper urges a “realistic” aid system for Turkey.
The text says that Turkey could not become a member of the EU while
refusing to recognize one of its members. Given this situation it
would be best to give Turkey privileged partnership, it says.
In conclusion, the text claims that privileged partnership with
Turkey would both solve the difficulties in the Union regarding
Turkish membership and remove the difficult task of adaptation Turkey
may face. “It would also allow Turkey to play a key role in its
region,” it says.
From: Baghdasarian