EP President says Turkey-EU Partnership Has Vital Importance For Both Parties

ISTANBUL (AA) - European Parliament (EP) President Josep Borrell Fontelles said on Saturday that Turkey-European Union (EU) partnership had vital importance for both of the parties.
     Speaking in a conference on ``Turkey-EU relations in the threshold of a critical decision`` to be held in Istanbul by Economic Development Foundation (IKV) and Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), Borrell Fontelles said, ``we will strengthen Turkey`s political and economic ties, and this can strengthen democratic values and human rights. And, Turkey can prove the Islam world that Europe isn`t a Christian club.``
     ``I told Turkish parliamentarians (yesterday) that we should be aware that public opinion in Europe is currently against Turkey`s becoming an EU member immediately. This is a reality, but I believe that people can make a better decision after they learn more about Turkey, and they won`t take into consideration their prejudices. We are at the beginning of a very long process, and it is a process to learn more about each other,`` Borrell Fontelles said.
     He continued, ``this current situation is a historic turning point for both Turkey and the EU. The Europeans should accept that Turkey is a modern and developed country, because it is sharing many values and ideals we believe in.``
     ``Turkey is a Muslim country, and the religion is shown as the only problem. But, I don`t think so. Turkey is a big but unwealthy country according to European standards. You have exerted great efforts, and developed your economy. Your growth rate is 5 percent. But, you should be aware that there is a big difference between the income per capita in Turkey and EU member states. Many reforms have been made in banking, taxation, and labor laws. Inflation rate was reduced,`` Borrell Fontelles noted.
     Borrell Fontelles said, ``a stable and prosperous Turkey is necessary for stability and peace in the Middle East. Stability in Middle East can be assured by especially a secular country which shares both the Islam culture and democratic values. It can be a model for other countries. Some say that Islam and democracy don`t abide by each other. But, you are a live example that they are harmonious, because you can implement both Islam culture and democratic values.``
    
     -POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE SIDES OF TURKEY-
     Borrell Fontelles said, ``nobody believes that Turkey is ready to join the EU immediately. There are differences in legislation, cultural and economic matters. ``
     Noting that he wanted to examine some positive and negative sides of Turkey`s EU membership, Borrell Fontelles said, ``in perspective of current members, Turkey is a country which can have many advantages to the EU. It has a rapid economic growth rate, and is exporting to EU member states. Turkey has a young and growing population. And, this is opposite to the demographic situation of the EU.``
     Stating that Turkey had a strategic location among Asia, Europe, Africa and the Caucasus, Borrell Fontelles said, ``but, we should be honest that there are also negative sides of (membership of) Turkey.``
     (BRC-AY)
2004-12-04