Klaus: Turkey Should Not Underrate Details In E.U. Negotiation Process
Turkish Press
May 7 2005
ISTANBUL (AA) – “Turkey should not underestimate details during EU
entry talks,” said Czech President Vaclav Klaus.
Klaus who is currently in Turkey to attend “Forum Istanbul”, replied
questions of reporters on Wednesday.
When asked his assessments about views against Turkey within the EU,
Klaus said, “I know that some countries and politicians within the
EU are against Turkey’s EU membership. Liberal democratic processes
are important for us. We want a liberal and democratic EU. We do not
want EU to be a club of elites. Thus, we support countries which want
to join EU.”
When asked what he has to recommend to Turkey in the EU negotiation
process, Klaus said, “you should never underestimate details during
this process. New EU member countries have made several mistakes. EU
issues are usually discussed in the MFAs of countries. This is a
tragic misunderstanding. EU membership is not related with foreign
politics. This issue should be discussed in other ministries as well.”
Upon questions about so-called Armenian genocide, Klaus said,
“historical incidents happen and you cannot change history. It is
necessary to accept history. This is my methodological recommendation
for you. However, history should not be forgotten. You should not
exploit history for the sake of current politic games.”
Upon another question, Klaus said, “accession to the EU is not a
historical event because nothing changes after EU membership.”