SABAH- Columnist Gungor Mengi writes on this week’s statement by National Security Council (MGK) Secretary General Gen. Tuncer Kilinc regarding relations with Europe. A summary of his column is as follows:
Yesterday there was an unexpected explosion on the road to EU. As the move comes from the military, it is of great significance. Yesterday in a symposium held at Istanbul’s War Academies, MGK Secretary-General Gen. Tuncer Kilinc said that Turkey did not receive any help from the EU and that the organization took an unfavorable stance on issues regarding Turkey. Then he added that he believed it would be more beneficial for Turkey to enter into new relations with Russian and Iran, albeit not excluding the US. Although he stated that this was his own personal view, it is impossible to believe that he was not influenced by the institution he belongs to. If viewed from that respect, are we to understand that the Turkish Armed Forces are against our EU membership under the present circumstances? The previous day, Deputy Prime minister Mesut Yilmaz, addressing the circles opposing the EU, had said that no one should ‘hide behind the military’ and added that the military was not opposed to the EU. Is Yilmaz mistaken? Are those hiding behind the military making the right choice? We believe that this is not so. While searching for alternatives, we must consider the common interests we share with the countries we are contemplating cooperation with. For example, do we have common interests with Russia and Iran in the Caucasus, Central Asia, Iraq or the Gulf region? Can the values we believe in help us in meeting with Iran against the same background? When our historic aims and aspirations are taken into consideration we can see that there is no alternative other than the EU. The latest intelligence reports show that the reason for closing the door to relations with Iran is not just a difference in regimes. A report disclosed yesterday said that Iranian intelligence was trying to convince the PKK to take up terrorist activities. Membership in the EU is a political decision and this decision has been made. The General Staff has repeatedly stated that it supported this decision. The military is disturbed by the EU’s inconsiderate stance vis-a-vis our security needs. Chief of General Staff Gen. Kivrikoglu said that our European allies supported terrorism directed against Turkey, some openly and some covertly. Many Turkish politicians are of the same view. The aim of the military is that we not conduct the negotiations in a climate of total surrender. That is to say, we should be able to convince the EU that Turkey is different than countries such as France, Portugal and Spain. At least it should be able to get the PKK and DHKP-C included in the EU’s list of terrorist organizations. The statement of the MGK secretary- general should be seen as a move designed to support strengthening the government’s hand. In fact the military also know what famous geopolitical strategist, and former advisor to US President Carter Zbigniew Brzezynski said, ‘The US is an insurance for Turkey’s security. However, Turkey’s democratic future is in Europe!’
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION