BY YILMAZ OZTUNA
TURKIYE- We are focused on the Cyprus issue due to its urgency and deep relation with the EU. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan even paid a useful visit to South Korea but we shouldn’t forget that the most important matter for us is the EU. Even the most urgent and important developments shouldn’t distract our attention. Turkey can’t have any other vital issue other than the EU membership bid. This way the quality of life to be led by the following Turkish generation will be determined. It’s also the most important development of our history of innovation because it will show that we have finally reached the level of contemporary civilization.
25 European countries might take offense, thinking that we have deprived Europe of the importance we attached to the US and even UN concerning the Cyprus issue. We know that they’re sensitive. Therefore Erdogan and Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul should tour the European capitals. They should be in continuous contact with European statesmen and businessmen so there won’t be something unpleasant in December 2004 both for the EU and Turkey. The real politicians of Europe comprehended it. However, preventing such unpleasant situations are possible by starting membership negotiations with Turkey as well. The tension is at its peak on the eve of great events. We should get used to consider such a complicated atmosphere natural. This is the conflict between those favoring the contemporary civilization and preferring to remain at the conventional line.