STAR- Columnist Zeynep Gurcanli writes on recent developments regarding the European Security and Defense Policy issue. A summary of her column is as follows:
Do the countries of the European Union really apply double standards in its policies on Turkey?
The issue of ‘double standards’ has long been one of Turkey’s favorite conspiracy theories regarding its relations with Europe. Whenever something happens to Turkey’s disadvantage, it is because the EU is applying double standards to us; but whenever something good takes place, it occurs due to Turkey’s strength and determination. That’s our politicians’ favorite line in all developments regarding Turkish-EU relations.
However, there’s no denying that the Europeans sometimes fail to apply fair, impartial policies to Turkey’s EU membership bid. The European Parliament’s (EP) latest decision on the European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP) is a good example of such wrongheaded EU stances. The EP recently released a report stating that Turkey should take a more constructive attitude on the ESDP issue. However, as early as last December, Turkey had already displayed its positive stance on the issue by signing the ‘Ankara Document.’ Although EU member Britain also signed the document, another EU country, Greece, vetoed it. Even under such circumstances, the EU hesitates to put pressure on Greece, but instead elects to call on Turkey to take a more positive attitude!
After the signing of this tripartite agreement among Turkey, Britain and the US, the Turkish government has consistently stated that the Ankara Document represented Turkey’s official stance on the issue, stressing that not even a single comma of the document could be changed. The Turkish government also underlined that it was the EU’s turn to take more positive steps regarding the ESDP. However, the EU caved in to pressure from Athens, and Turkey immediately found itself in the middle of new negotiations.
While discussions on the Ankara Document have been held among Britain, the US and Turkey, Germany and Greece have also joined the new negotiations. Although Ankara prefers calling these meetings ‘unofficial’ or ‘brainstorming’ sessions, they actually amount to negotiations, more or less. All concerned parties are seeking the same formula: one which would satisfy both Turkey and Greece.
Diplomacy is truly an art...
Let’s wait and see whether a new formula can be found, one which put a stop to the EU’s incessant calls on Turkey.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION