BY SAMI KOHEN
MILLIYET- Every day brings more good news from the European Union on our membership bid. From German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder to EU Commissioner for Enlargement Guenter Verheugen, many EU officials have made statements putting our status in a positive light, implying that the Union is likely to set a date for the beginning of Ankara’s membership talks at the year-end EU summit. Some skeptics argue that the reason for this sudden turnabout is Brussels’ hope to persuade Ankara to make concessions on the Cyprus issue so as to boost its bid.
Apparently the EU bigwigs tasked with setting a date for our membership talks are realizing the inevitability of a decision in Turkey’s favor. Although there are still some circles dead set against our membership, they are unlikely to have the final word on the issue.
French writer and intellectual Alexander Adler is one European who is optimistic about Turkey’s status. In a speech at Istanbul’s Galatasaray University yesterday, Adler told the audience about the opportunities and difficulties that Turkey is likely to face on its path towards the EU. His words confirmed that Europe has begun considering Turkey’s qualifications as an advantage for the continent.
When asked why France is keeping mum about Turkey’s situation, Adler said, ‘Because of the upcoming [French regional] elections,’ but added: ‘However, I know that President Chirac supports Ankara’s membership bid, which is why I don’t believe that France will stand against you.’
Nevertheless, we shouldn’t be fooled by this optimistic wind blowing across the old continent. Our membership is hardly in the bag. As Adler warned, if we fail to fulfill the Europeans’ wishes, everything might suddenly turn upside down, running us right off the rails. So Turkey must do its homework. However, it’s also our right to expect the EU to do its own.