BY SAMI KOHEN
MILLIYET- Reports from various European capitals show an atmosphere favoring the start of our European Union membership talks. However, some things remain unclear, namely their date and the conditions under which they will begin. In addition, certain circles oppose starting the talks, favoring instead a ‘special membership’ status or arguing that there’s no place in the EU for us. However, at least the leaders of most member states and important political institutions believe that our talks should begin. Likewise, messages from various capitals are also pointing this way. For example, it’s significant that Luxembourg, which used to not favor Turkey, now endorses talks in early 2005. It’s uncertain yet whether the talks will start then or later in the year. In this respect, France’s stance is very important. If the EU decides at next month’s summit to start talks, there’s no guarantee this will happen before July 2005. In addition, if they begin later, new problems might crop up.
The second unclear point has to do with whether the talks will carry certain conditions. The European Commission report has two sections which displease Ankara. One of them says that our talks will be an open-ended process, and the other would restrict free movement. Turkish diplomats are trying hard to get these parts taken out. However, it’s almost impossible for EU leaders to ignore these issues. Even European diplomats working in our favor say, ‘Everybody needs to be realistic. However, these issues wouldn’t hinder full membership at the end of negotiations.’ If they are included in the EU’s decision next month, the government’s stance will be important. In other words, will Ankara accept or reject sitting at the negotiating table under these conditions? Ankara has no desire to burn bridges with the EU and change its basic foreign policy aims. The government will also have difficulty with domestic policy issues. In the final analysis, the political leadership facing this decision should prepare itself for a hard test.