BY MURAT YETKIN
RADIKAL- Former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari this week defended Turkey’s European Union membership on the BBC interview program ‘Hardtalk.’ One of the questions asked of her was if the EU is ready to accept Turkey, why won’t it then also accept Ukraine and Israel into its ranks ‘You can’t compare those countries to Turkey,’ said Ahtisaari. ‘The EU has to be loyal to the promises it has made on Turkey’s membership bid. Let’s remember that both sides have been in contact with each other for 40 years and there’s been the Customs Union since 1995.’ Ahtisaari also criticized Fritz Bolkestein, the EU single market commissioner and a former leader of the Dutch liberals, who recently argued that Turkey’s acceptance to the EU would spell the end of the pact.
As you may know, Ahtisaari is the chairman of the Independent Commission on Turkey, which recently issued a report recommending that the EU start Ankara’s membership negotiations as soon as possible. The report contends that Turkey will add new dimensions to the EU’s foreign policy, as it is located in a very strategic geography. Moreover, Turkey’s presence will increase Europe’s power and credibility in the Middle East, a region currently dominated by the United States. Finally, it argues that Turkey’s strong army will greatly contribute to the European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP) as the country will inevitably become a cornerstone of European defense system.
In brief, Turkey’s strong army is seen as a dealmaker, not an obstacle to its membership bid. Improving our military capabilities will strengthen our hand. The EU wants the Turkish military to be dependent on and controlled by the civilian administration, a development which can only take place in the course of time. I believe this will happen simultaneously with Turkey’s gradual integration to the Union.