Milliyet, Turkey
Jan 12 2007

TURKEY MOVING AWAY FROM EU

Should the question in the title be asked? Various circles view
President Abdullah Gul’s visit to the United States as Turkey’s new
inclination or preference. That has been outlined in the studio
debates that were broadcast by some of the television networks.

At first glance, it is possible to assume that the contacts and
cooperation between Turkey and the United States increased, the pace
in Turkey’s relations with the EU weakened, and the pointer in
Turkey’s foreign policy is turning towards Washington. But, would
that really mean that Ankara has deviated from its main approach? In
other words, would it mean that it has given priority to the United
States in its relations?

We do not think that the government is acting with such an intention.
And, it should not do so. The United States and the EU have occupied
important but separate and different places in Turkey’s foreign
policy for many years. National interests require that this balanced
and multisided strategy be maintained. So, neither the United States
nor the EU should be seen as an alternative in Turkey’s relations
with the two sides. Viewing them as complementing each other will be
useful.

Cooperation With USA

The outcome of President Gul’s talks in Washington showed that the
relations between Turkey and the United States are improving. Leaving
aside the question as to whether or not the relations between them
can be described as "strategic partnership," it can be easily said
that they have agreed to cooperate on many important issues in
accordance with their common interests. The struggle against the PKK
[Kurdistan Workers’ Party] in northern Iraq is the most important of
them. It seems that a similar common understanding was also reached
between the two sides on many regional problems, particularly those
related to Iraq and energy.

The relations between Turkey and the United States fluctuated for
many years. They began to weaken after 2003. However, they seem to be
improving at the present time. But that does not mean that the upward
trend will always exist in their relations on all the problems.
Ankara and Washington might differ on developments in many fields
(from the draft relation on Armenian claims to the approach on Iran).
But the recent talks in Washington showed that a strong political
determination exists in the two sides to maintain good relations and
keep their cooperation alive. That is because they need each other.
They do not want to lose each other’s friendship and support.

Lack of activity in Turkey’s relations with EU

This determined approach brought the relations between the two sides
to the forefront. However, inactivity continues to exist in Turkey’s
relations with the EU. Although the process of talks is maintained,
the path that will lead Turkey to join the organization as a member
seem to be blocked. That is what has made some of the commentators to
believe that Turkey’s ambition to join the EU weakened and Ankara is
gradually moving towards the United States.

As we said earlier, that is not what the Turkish diplomats decided to
prefer (a decision to change course was not made). However, it must
be agreed that our relations with the EU weakened and slowed down
(because of the known reasons for which Turkey cannot be blamed).
Nevertheless, relations with the EU should not be pushed back because
the values of the organization and the opportunities it can provide
are important for our country.

There is no reason for Turkey to move away from the EU while it draws
closer to the United States.

[translated]