BY FERAI TINC
HURRIYET- The European Greens’ meeting in Istanbul this week was very useful for both us and them. Firstly, I’m sure the Greens group has never been covered by the continental media this much, except for just after they were founded. Of course this interest comes from the fact that the group has the most positive stance in the European Parliament on Turkey’s European Union bid: It favors starting negotiations with a view to full membership. German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer stressed a few days ago that the alternative of ‘special partnership’ was unacceptable. Their clear stance on this is very important. We’re heartened by it, but this wasn’t the most important aspect of the meeting. Its most important message was that it was the first step of a difficult dialogue. Fischer meant it when he said, ‘European political culture also includes talking about difficult subjects.’ The European parliamentarians said repeatedly that Turkey was a proud country, but they also reminded us that such issues as the so-called Armenian genocide, the Cyprus issue and the Kurdish problem would be discussed during our negotiations. ‘The more you take real steps to reform, the fewer negotiations will there be,’ said Fischer. ‘It would be good for both parties if you implement these reforms as soon as possible.’
Of course, we weren’t the only one who heard unwanted words. Some European Greens didn’t like certain criticisms from the Turks. Membership negotiations between Ankara and the EU will be difficult. If we can succeed in establishing a dialogue within ourselves, we won’t have problems with the membership talks. Now we’re at the most difficult stage. Ankara objected to Fischer’s statement when he said, ‘Don’t criticize the European Commission’s report, and, when you criticize it, don’t miss the target.’ Getting a date for membership talks is Ankara’s number one goal. Turkey wants the European Commission to decide to start the talks in the first half of 2005. Ankara is also against open-ended negotiations. Fischer stated, ‘Europe needs time and it also needs modernization. The commission’s report is a work of art.’ Instead of those who think like Fischer and oppose discussions with Brussels, I consider the government’s stance wise.