Understanding Turkish - European Relations

CUMHURIYET- Columnist Erol Manisali writes on Turkish-European relations. A summary of his column is as follows:
The problem we are experiencing today is not what Turkey should do to be admitted to the Union, but it stems from the fact that the EU won't admit Turkey into the organization and it will do everything in its power to delay the country's becoming an EU member. Some facts must be seen clearly. First, Turkish-EU relations are working against Turkey both economically and politically due to the unilateral Customs Union agreement. The reins are in the hands of the EU. This is a colonial order and cannot be prolonged any more. There is no other country in Turkey's situation. Secondly, the conditions imposed by the EU demonstrate how Turkey could be kept at bay. It should leave the Aegean and Cyprus to the Greeks, open the door for compensations saying that a genocide was perpetrated, grant autonomy to the Kurds, and leave the economy, politics and security to the guidance of the EU. These are the political conditions the EU is bringing to the table at the moment to improve relations. It is against the logic of politics, economy and humanity to expect Turkey to implement these reforms upon imposition.

SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION