BY SAMI KOHEN
MILLIYET- Even as the organs of the European Union are closed down for summer holidays, the question of whether Ankara will receive a date for accession talks still dominates Turkey’s agenda. There is a general optimism on this issue. The statements of some EU member countries have lent hope. Recent declarations of Turkish leaders also reflect this optimism. Of course the greatest test of this will be the progress report prepared by the EU Commission for release in October. The decision at the December EU summit on giving Turkey a date for accession talks will hinge on this report.
Signals from EU diplomatic sources are encouraging. There is no doubt that Turkey won’t get a perfect grade. Some shortcomings will be mentioned. However, it is expected that the report’s overall evaluation will be positive, considering Turkey’s extraordinary efforts and success. If the report is generally positive, then there is a high probability of Turkey getting a date for its talks. Although doubts remain about Austria, Denmark and even France (along with, sometimes, Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration), expectations that these countries won’t block a positive EU decision outweigh these doubts.
There will be intensive activity next month, and Turkey’s membership will be one of the top items on the EU’s agenda. Ankara is already preparing for an all-out diplomatic push. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to visit some countries, and EU Commission officials will be invited to Turkey. Besides the state, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will also be active, with groups ready to visit EU countries in support of the bid.
One way to promote a positive outcome is a ‘good impression campaign’ abroad and ‘doing our homework drive’ inside the country. Turkey has been very successful in its reforms, so our remaining tasks are few. Ankara must also display its determination in practicing these reforms, not only governmentally but also nationally. Nobody will be opposed to Turkey unless there is an ‘accident.’ We should accelerate developments inside Turkey and get ready for our big diplomatic push.