MILLIYET- Columnist Sami Kohen writes on Turkey’s EU full membership bid and the stand of the government on the issue. A summary of his column is as follows:
Turkey has entered into the new six-month EU presidency term of Denmark, which succeeded Spain, in a more uncertain and even pessimistic atmosphere. This negative picture has nothing to do with Danish stand. In fact, this northern European country sincerely wants a date to be given to Turkey for its accession negotiations at the Copenhagen summit in December. Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen and Foreign Minister Per Stig Moller’s statements published in the Turkish press are clear and binding indications of this positive approach. However, they are also warning in nature. They said that they would support Turkey for the setting of a date for the beginning of accession negotiations at the Copenhagen summit. However, this also depends on Turkey’s own efforts. If Ankara implements the basic criteria, this process can begin. Otherwise, if Turkey cannot show this determination and comply with the criteria, the expected positive decision from the Copenhagen summit won’t come. The Danish are giving these messages to encourage Turkey to step up its efforts and remind them that it takes two to tango. Unfortunately, towards the end of the Spanish term presidency, Turkey failed to do this dance as it should have done. When the most critical six months of the year are entered, the climate in Ankara seems to go against all expectations. The coalition government is divided on how to act regarding the basic criteria. All minds are hung upon a few sensitive matters. The Parliament was expected to pass reform bills as soon as possible, but instead began its summer recess. And now there is talk of change in government and even of early elections. Considering all these circumstances, is it possible for Ankara to ask for a date for full membership from Europe? In October, the Progress Report which will influence this decision will come up. Before then Turkey has to show some progress not only on these few sensitive matters but also in complying with the basic political criteria. If not, no decision regarding a date will come from the Copenhagen summit. When the situation in Ankara is considered, we can say that this is what is going to happen. It is even difficult to expect the politicians to use the six months before us well. What can the Foreign Ministry do in such a political atmosphere? At the most, it can continue to defend the issue to the end, issue messages to the EU administrations and the leaders of the member countries. However, if there is no change in internal dynamics, nothing can be expected from the efforts directed towards foreign countries. Foreign Minister Ismail Cem will go to Berlin today to meet with his German counterpart. In the coming weeks, more visits of this nature will follow. It is not official as yet, but EU President Commissioner Romano Prodi is expected to come to Ankara on July 18. This will be the first visit of a commission chairman ever paid to Turkey in 40 years. The statements made at the various farewell dinners given in honor of Nihat Akyol who will be returning to Turkey, completing his post as ambassador by the EU, has demonstrated the importance given to Turkey. However, to get the desired result by turning these words into action is in the hands of Turkish politicians. There is almost no time left for them to show this will.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION