BY FERAI TINC
HURRIYET- The world ushered in the New Year on the streets and in the mosques and squares without letting its enthusiasm being dampened by the threat of terrorist attacks. This shows its power to cope. When I look at the problems awaiting solutions in both Turkey and the rest of the world, I can make optimistic wishes as follows:
* I hope the Cyprus problem will be solved this year. The Cyprus problem concerns not only the future of a group of Mediterranean people, but also the security of a broader system of interests. Therefore a solution would trigger many positive developments, while stubborn resistance to a solution will bring only pressure and isolation. The resolve to find a solution on the island expressed during a meeting of top Foreign Ministry ambassadors can’t be ignored. I hope the politicians in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) will attach more importance to this fact than to their personal ambitions and so will establish a government of consensus and unity.
* My second wish is that Turkish-Greek relations will settle into a smoother period.
* My greatest wish is our starting membership negotiations with the European Union. Besides many other reasons, I want it for security’s sake as well. NATO will open its door to new members during its Istanbul meeting in June. These newcomers are also new members of the EU. I don’t know what will happen then to Turkey’s feeling of exclusion, which it feels even now.
* A difficult future is awaiting Iraq. The recent Iraqi Kurdish initiative for a federation-style government carries the risk of civil war. I hope Iraq won’t see new developments which will sow new instabilities.
* I hope the persistent tension between Israel and Syria will be settled amicably, Palestine will gain its independence and Israel will have the right to live in security.
* I hope the problem of Upper Karabagh between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be solved this year.
I also wish my readers a New Year full of goodness.