By Yusuf Kanli
TDN- The conditions attached to the commission's recommendation to the EU Council that accession talks with Turkey can be started were very much in conformity with the odd expectations. Still, what we got is a 'yes' that saved the day
The outcome of the EU Commission report on Turkey must be no surprise to anyone dealing with Turkey-EU relations and aware of the discussions in the old continent on and around the issue for the past several months.
Though our government officials and the unconditionally EU-devoted intellectuals will now be jubilating that we have received a green light to start accession talks, let's be realistic: What we got is just a conditional green light to start a journey on a road on which for some reason many red lights were erected with great skill.
Would we still manage to reach the final destination, the EU accession, despite all the obstacles ahead? With the self confidence this country has demonstrated over the past 40 years since the signing of the Sept. 12, 1963 association accord with the forefather of the EU, the European Economic Community, it can overcome any obstacles if our counterparts in Europe have the goodwill and political will to let us in.
Although it was a conditional one, the recommendation of the commission for the start of Turkish accession talks was not an easy one to make for obvious reasons stemming mostly from the grandeur of Turkey -- be it the prospects it can offer or the potential problems it may create. As was seen in the European Parliament after Commission President Romano Prodi unveiled the report, there are as well many groups in Europe, headed by Christian democrats and Christian fundamentalists, who simply object to Turkish membership because of the Islamic character of this country.
Is there a need for jubilation? Indeed this is just the first step of a new and challenging beginning. The EU Council, which will meet on Dec. 17, will hopefully serve the ball and announce a date for the start of talks "without further delay."
Then, it will be mostly for us to determine the length of the process even though the anticipation in Europe is that it would not commence before the end of 2013. It will be difficult but in view of what has been achieved by Turkey over the past two years, the EU may be puzzled to see in five to seven years time Ankara knocking on the door once again this time for full accession.
We hope by that date "A strong Europe had nothing to fear from Turkish accession," remark of Prodi yesterday will turn into reality.
The commission's recommendation, despite all the conditions attached, was a bold move, at the same time, towards creation of a multi-cultural and multi-religious Europe despite all the objections of Christian democrats and the Christian fundamentalists. This as well has to be praised.