AMSTERDAM (AA) - Turkey`s Ambassador in The Hague Tacan Ildem has stated that the recent murder of Dutch film producer Theo Van Gogh will not hurt Turkey-European Union relations.
As a guest of NOVA news program on the Dutch TV last night, Ildem said that the Turkish community in the Netherlands has condemned the brutal murder of Van Gogh.
``The fact that Van Gogh was murdered by a Muslim does not mean that other Muslims share responsibility,`` told Ildem. ``As in other monotheist religions, human life is precious in Islam.``
Ambassador Ildem has reminded journalists that he does not share the notion that the Van Gogh murder will have a negative impact on Turkey-EU relations.
``The recent increase in support of member of parliament Geert Wilders, who is strongly opposing Turkey`s EU membership, after the Van Gogh murder is normal and not unexpected,`` expressed Ildem. ``In a democratic society, it is normal to see such attitudes,`` remarked Ildem.
According to Ambassador Ildem, ``Turkey will get a date on December 17th for the beginning of membership negotiations with the EU.``
``If a decision in favor of the beginning of accession talks is taken, this will give the 10 million Muslims in Europe the feeling that they are a true part of Europe,`` noted Ildem.
(ES-MS)
2004-11-23