SABAH- Columnist Okay Gonensin writes on the results of the leaders’ summit. A summary of his column is as follows:
Following the leaders’ summit, the only announcement to correct was that there would be no early general elections. Reportedly, Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli had said that Turkey’s interests came before those of Europe and everyone should defend Turkey in Europe as they did Europe in Turkey. We don’t want to believe that these reports are true. Those in Turkey who are pushing our EU admittance bill are in fact trying to protect Turkey’s interests. They would like Turkey to become a country preserving its integrity, and one which reaches democratic and developed standards. Those who are trying to push these issues aside using rhetoric devoid of any real concepts will be responsible for letting Turkish economic and social standards lag behind. Those who have risen to important places in society by clinging to backward standards, an ailing economy and a defective democracy are continuing their resistance in order to hold onto their positions. On the agenda before the leaders’ summit was the lifting of the ban on broadcasting in languages other than Turkish, in line with the ‘full democracy’ condition for harmonization with the EU. This means that everyone desiring to do so could broadcast in Kurdish and learn the language. Everyone must know that the official language of the country is Turkish and will certainly remain so. There is no need for false irresponsible speculations on the subject. The results of an NFO Turkey public opinion surveys were announced a few days ago. Turkish citizens were asked with how they picked up TV signals, what sort of equipment they used. It came out that 14% were watching TV signals picked up by dishes. If it is believed that those using satellite dishes are trying to pick up original BBC and CNN broadcasts or erotic programs this will be a grave mistake. The Iranian regime confiscated all the satellite dishes to prevent people from watching foreign televisions. The next step of those who don’t wish to lift the ban on broadcasting in languages other than Turkey will be the same. That is why EU standards are wanted. If we retreat from these democratic and social peace standards to pursue others, we will have to resort to satellite dish hunting. The leaders’ summit postponed the decision on the issue. Turkey is feeling the adverse effects of such delays. However, if no correct decisions are taken following this last postponement, and quick steps are not taken, we will see our country’s future held back.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION