BERLIN - Former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl said, ''Turkey is one of the most important and largest countries of the world.''
Speaking to foreign press members accredited in Germany on Tuesday, Kohl praised Turkey.
Kohl said, ''I believe Turkey is one of the most important and largest countries of the world. Turkish culture is a part of a high culture. Turkey has a big history; thus, Germany does not have any reason to oppose Turkey. Ataturk, founder of modern and secular Republic of Turkey, accepted German refugees who escaped from Germany during Nazi period. One of these refugees was first premier of Berlin state Ernst Reuter. Turkey is a strong country. Turkish people are very talented. Thus, I do not have any opposition to Turkey. This is my personal attitude. It has never been different.''
''Regarding the EU issue, Turkey, like its predecessors, has the right to apply for EU membership and this should be examined seriously,'' he added.
Kohl said, ''democratic circles in Turkey has become strong and they exert every type of effort to reach their targets. They do this skillfully. First change is Americans. At first, Americans did not support Turkey in any way. This stemmed from Iran policy of the United States. The United States was supporting Iran until Shah was overthrown. Then mollahs came. They were followed by radical groups later. After these developments, the United States changed its attitude and they searched for allies in Iraq. Their attitude towards Turkey did not change until that time. Because, if they supported Turkey, they had to concern with Kurdish problem unwillingly. They developed relations with Iraq. However, suddenly they wanted Turkey's EU membership to be accepted as they would bomb Iraq. We had severe discussions with Albright. She said 'no matter what you do, Turkey has to join the EU.' I am not against Turkey, but this is a different issue.''
Kohl said, ''Turkey has applied for EU membership now. Turkey is on the path to change itself, but it has not completed it yet. Turkey should be behaved honestly. Turkey has the right for this and whether Turkey met Maastricht criteria should be examined honestly. This is being examined now. Turkey should fulfill this criteria in legal, citizenship, human rights and religious freedom areas.''
''People sometimes act as if everything has been solved about Turkey and I cannot accept this. What angers me most is that many people who act like that will not be in their offices in the future. Jacques Chirac acts as if it is necessary to take decision at the moment. He may not be in his office within 10 years. Thus, I object tricks to be played against Turkey. I believe Turkey can meet conditions within a foresighted period. This can take 10 or 20 years. Regarding freedom of religion, as mosques are allowed to be built in Germany, churches should also be allowed to be built in a Muslim country,'' said Kohl.
Kohl noted, ''there is not a majority in my country that support EU membership of Turkey. If a referendum is held, I do not believe that a majority will be provided for Turkey's EU membership. A referendum will not be held in Germany, but if it is held, even many Social Democratic Party (SPD) supporters will not vote in favor of Turkey. Thus, Turkey should be presented proposals to become closer to the EU. Even if Turkey does not join the EU, it can use Euro as monetary unit.''