BY ISMAIL KUCUKKAYA
AKSAM- Turkey is enjoying a period of unique opportunities. The US and the European Union both support Turkey’s integration with the EU. When we joined NATO and the UN, there were such determining elements as the shaping of the Middle East, oil policies and relations with the Islamic world and the West. But now, how will the US presidential elections influence Turkey? Would it better if George W. Bush wins, or Senator John Kerry? Recently CNN International reported on a public opinion survey conducted in European countries. According to the survey, all European countries want Kerry to be the next president. The situation is the same outside Europe. However, many US citizens don’t agree. On Sky Turk a few days ago, Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul was asked whether a victory for Bush or Kerry would be better for Turkey. ‘How would you reply if you were in my shoes?’ he answered.
The situation is complex, but good analyses indicate that there would be no difference for Turkey. Just looking at the US system shows this. The really important thing is how Turkey will experience its EU membership process. Deputy Prime Minister and State Minister Mehmet Ali Sahin said during yesterday’s Cabinet meeting that work and problems concerning the EU were being discussed. ‘The most important issue on our agenda is our harmonization with the EU,’ said Sahin. ‘Our hardest-working institution in this is the Justice Ministry. The Agriculture Ministry has a great many difficulties. It needs to make radical changes to its regulations.’ A mentality revolution is needed in all our life and sectors. The future is planned through a consideration of history. There are many signals and lessons in the 18th and 19th centuries for our own time.