BY YILMAZ OZTUNA
TURKIYE- Columnist Yilmaz Oztuna comments on Turkey’s European Union membership bid. A summary of his column is as follows:
When our relations with the European Union stalled, the government started to move closer to the EU, which was the right response. Chief of General Staff Gen. Hilmi Ozkok stated that the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) favored Turkey’s EU membership. He added that certain circles oppose the EU, as with anything, but that the goal was clear. His words must have swayed at least some supporters of the status quo. Those unable to grasp Turkey’s Western orientation don’t know the course of our history. However, there might be those who argue that this direction is a mistake, and we can’t censor or limit thought.
I agree with those who think we can join the EU before Romania or Bulgaria. Everything depends on our stance, skill, willpower and determination. Even if the EU doesn’t give our efforts their proper due and our hopes are blocked, we will have provided our nation with modern standards.
Our measures to harmonize with EU criteria shouldn’t flag due to artificial agendas. The government should be reasonable and careful and shouldn’t budge.