TURKISH PRESIDENT’S EU ADVISER REACTS TO LATEST EU PROGRESS REPORT ON TURKEY

Vatan
Nov 30 2008
Turkey

On 30 November 2008 Istanbul Vatan Online in Turkish publishes a
3-500 word interview with Damla Gurel, President Abdullah Gul’s
EU adviser and former Republican People’s Party, CHP, deputy. In
the interview entitled "I Do Not Know Why Gul Has Chosen Me" and
conducted by Sanem Altan, Gurel comments on her duties, her career,
the recent EU Progress Report, the implementation of the EU reforms,
and the accession negotiations.

Noting that she is much honoured to be working with President Gul,
Gurel also mentions that she has a very professional relationship
with Hayrunnisa Gul [President Abdullah Gul’s spouse]. Gurel also
refers to her disagreements with CHP Chairman Deniz Baykal.

Asserting that she disagrees that the latest EU Progress Report
criticizes the government and praises President Gul, Gurel says:
"The report has merely stated facts. The economic cooperation in
the Caucasus for the sake of regional peace as well as the visits to
Armenia and Azerbaijan have been viewed positively."

Asked whether a person other than the foreign minister should be
appointed chief negotiator, Gurel draws attention to the fact that the
person who will serve as chief negotiator should have communication
abilities, should be technically equipped, and should be politically
influential. Given these facts, there is no doubt that Ali Babacan
is the right person for the job, but there are two basic problems,
says Gurel, adding: "The ties between Turkey and the EU should no
longer be viewed as a foreign policy issue. As of now this should be
viewed as our goal. Secondly, Turkey’s foreign policy agenda is very
busy. It is very broad. It is very difficult and tiresome to be in
charge of both fields. Therefore I believe that it is appropriate to
separate these two posts."

Asserting that the latest Progress Report puts emphasis on the slow
down in the reforms, Gurel explains that Turkey has recently focused
on its domestic affairs, while the EU has been trying to resolve its
problems stemming from expansion. Noting that it is impossible to open
certain chapters due to certain problems, Gurel explains that Turkey
should primarily adapt its laws to the EU acquis. The trade law and the
union law are waiting, Gurel says and adds: "You cannot open chapters
if the relevant laws are not enacted. You cannot enact these laws at
one because it is necessary to ensure the agreement of sectors that
will be affected by the enactment of these laws. It is necessary to
do this together with the society. The road map is clear. There are
27 laws that have been or that will be taken to the National Assembly."

Noting that she does not expect any progress in the reforms due
to the local elections that will be held in March, Gurel stresses
if appropriate action is not taken, the EU process may take many
years. It is true that change also has a price, but we will be able
to make a leap only by preparing a national programme and by calming
domestic politics, says Gurel and adds: "If we want, we are able to
enact laws without any delay. Let us reach tough decisions. We have
focused on domestic politics. We are a democratic, secular, Muslim, and
social state. This is not an easy country. I understand the problems,
but do I accept them? No I do not. Let us put forth our will and our
demands. We are already at the table and therefore we can do whatever
we want. We should not be offended by everything. We should ignore what
the EU says. Do we want certain reforms? This is what really counts."