BY MAHMUT OVUR
SABAH- We are in Prague, where the political liberalization called the Prague Spring emerged in 1968. Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The spring is here now both literally and in terms of liberalization and becoming free. This wind of spring is also reflected on relations between Turkey and the Czech Republic. The Turkish Culture Week, jointly organized by Istanbul`s Sisli Municipality and Prague`s Slany Municipality, is a product of this reflection. Sisli Mayor Mustafa Sarigul, former Foreign Minister and Parliament Speaker Hikmet Cetin and Czech Republic`s representative in the European Parliament Jan Zahradil met prior to cultural activities.
The meeting was beyond Sisli`s borders and focused on Turkish-European Union relations. Cetin mentioned the requirement of making Turkey an EU member to Zahradil as follows: `Imagining an EU without Turkey would cause terrible problems. The EU needs Turkey particularly in terms of terrorism, irresponsible use of nuclear weapons and energy safety.`
Zahradil`s answer was interesting. He said, `The reason for not making Turkey an EU member is neither religious, nor cultural difference. The real reason is politics. Turkey can change all balances. It`s easy to find small countries, but Turkey is an important country. That`s why it`s not wanted. The Czech Republic will be next to Turkey today and tomorrow.`
Meanwhile, Czech Republic`s Parliament foreign relations advisor expressed Turkey`s importance as follows: `We consider Turkey a key country. We aim to create a Europe without barriers.` Sarigul drew their attention to the closure case against the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and requested EU members` support. Sarigul said, `I`m against closing a party with a court decision. A party which came into power through elections should leave the same way. Please support us so that the law on elections and parties is amended.` The visit`s appearance in domestic politics was as important as its foreign dimension. When people saw Cetin and Sarigul together, they interpreted it as the first step of getting ready for the new period of cooperation.