TURKEY’S EU MEMBERSHIP IS ESSENTIAL
Gozlem Gazetesi, Turkey
Dec 10 2007
European Commission is unimpressed with French President Nicolas
Sarkozy’s Mediterranean Union State plan; but agreed on an enlargement
plan which Turkey could be included.
NEWS CENTRAL
Turkey started EU accession talks in 2005 but is not expected to join
the bloc before 2015, if at all, as some member states are skeptical
toward its membership; however they are all aware of Turkey’s
geopolitical importance as well as its energy transit role.
The importance of Turkey is being emphasized by many EU officials.
Foreign Minister of Greece, our friend and neighbor country, Dora
Bakoyannis is a good example. Bakoyannis supports Turkey’s bid for
European Union Membership. Speaking at a joint press conference,
Bakoyannis reaffirmed "Following the process of rapprochement started
in 1999, relations between the two countries have improved with each
passing day.
Continuity of this development requires patience and hard working. We
are determined to walk on the path of our mutual interest. With EU
membership negotiations, a new era has begun not only for Turks but
also for the nations of the region."
A fair viable solution for Cyprus
Bakoyannis pointed that reaching a fair, viable and operational
solution to the Cyprus problem is of heightened importance, adding
"Turkey’s membership in EU is a must for a strong democracy and
regional security and stability."
Vicious cycle to be broken
Another Turkey’s EU friend is EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn.
Rehn noted that Turkey is currently passing through difficult days
in terms of its relations with European Union. Rehn expressed the
importance of breaking the vicious cycle in relations with Turkey.
Some of his notes are remarkable:
"Turkey took advantage of the critical Presidential Elections last
April. There are 2 political colors in Turkey; Kemalist Republicans
and Democratic Muslims.
If we remove EU membership negotiations from Turkey’s agenda, Seculars
will become more nationalist and it may increase adverse events between
them and Democratic Islamic parts. Ongoing negotiations with Turkey
and its progress towards accession encourage secularists and revive
"Kemal’s dream of a Europeanized Turkey".
Establish a stronger" Civilian control over army" is always at the
core of our negotiations with Turkey. Civilmilitary relations, Kurds,
Armenians and divided Cyprus are right back of each crisis. Rehn
called upon the Turkish Army to stay out and asked Turkey to think
twice before Military Intervention.
Obstacles against Turkey
Rehn does not ignore the possibility of crossborder operation in
northern Iraq as well as PKK crisis. "Turkish community is under
heavy pressure of the lost lives by PKK attacks in the region.
The EU condemns all terrorist attacks and understands Turkey’s
need to protect its citizens however we urge Turkey to seek a
political solution in cooperation with Iraq and in accordance with
international law." He also underscored that the time has come to
reach a new momentum in the reform process. More efforts are needed
to ensure democratic supremacy in civilmilitary relations, freedom
of expression and religion.
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