EUROPEAN COMMISSION REMINDS OF TURKEY’S STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE

PanARMENIAN.Net
02.11.2007 17:21 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Since Turkey’s accession talks have undergone
hard times due to serious objections from some EU member states,
in particular France, the European Commission has stepped up its
advocating the importance of keeping Turkey on the path to Brussels.

The Commission aims to remind EU countries of Turkey’s strategic
importance for the Union, an argument which had major influence after
September 11 but has been scaled down recently.

In order to demonstrate the strategic importance of accession
negotiations, the European Commission listed a number of areas
highlighting Turkey’s vital role in preserving the interests of the
European Union. It describes Turkey as an energy hub and a bridge
between the West and Muslim world, highlights peacekeeping missions
and migration control as well as efforts for Middle East peace, support
for Iraq, constructive contacts with Iran, high level trade with EU.

As to Turkey’s relations with Armenia the European Commission said,
"Meetings between high-level Turkish and Armenian officials have taken
place. Furthermore, Turkey took the symbolic steps of inviting Armenian
representatives to the funeral of assassinated Armenian editor Hrant
Dink in January, and to the inauguration of the restored Armenian
Church of the Holy Cross in Akhtamar in March. However, there have
been no substantial developments on improving relations. Turkey has
kept its border with Armenia closed," Turkish Daily News reports.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress