MILLIYET- Columnist Sami Kohen comments on Turkey’s expectations from the European Union and the possibility of them coming true. A summary of his column is as follows:
There’s recently been a slight increase in Turkey’s ‘hope barometer’ concerning the European Union. Following the chill wind which blew in earlier this month with the EU Progress Report, some of the latest statements seem positively balmy. But the important long-range forecast will be much more clearer after the summit currently being held in Brussels. There are a few signs that the barometer moved in Turkey’s favor this week:
- Britain declared that a satisfactory decision should be made for Turkey during the Copenhagen summit in December. Foreign Minister Jack Straw promised that Britain would give Ankara the ‘greatest’ support concerning this issue.
- In surprise remarks, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said that he favored giving Turkey a date for membership negotiations at Copenhagen and also called on EU Term President Denmark’s Prime Minister Fogh Rasmussen to support this goal. Schroeder’s coalition partner Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer made a similar statement.
- An encouraging signal on Turkey is expected to be received from the Brussels summit’s final declaration to be released today. Expressions in the draft declaration might be signs that Turkey’s negotiations process will begin.
There are a number of factors playing a role in moving the barometer in a hopeful direction. The intensive contacts of Turkish officials and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are at the top of this list. The influence of voters of Turkish origin in Germany also helped bring around Schroeder and Fischer to the cause. And, like Germany, Britain also thinks that during such a critical period for world politics, giving Turkey the cold shoulder would have negative consequences. They -- just like Greece, Italy and Spain, who have also taken a positive stance towards Ankara -- think that an encouraging decision for Turkey should be issued at the Copenhagen summit.
The Copenhagen summit will be held in less than two months. If Turkey can make good use of the intervening period, it can give this acceleration of its EU bid an additional boost. This can be ensured by continuing its efforts at persuasion through mutual visits and contacts and by demonstrating that Turkey is really carrying out the EU criteria. We should downplay Turkey’s recent moves to close down the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and certain German foundations (for alleged espionage) during such a critical period, since the EU’s spotlight is now on Turkey and this news conflicts with the positive atmosphere that we want to create. Yesterday Turkey watchers in Brussels, Berlin and other capitals were surprised to hear about the closure efforts and made their displeasure known. At this point, Turkey can argue that its legal system is independent and that judges and public prosecutors are only doing what is required under the current law. However, these sort of practices clash with the Europeans’ sensibilities. In addition, it puts those within the EU who want to open their doors to Turkey in a tight spot. As one European diplomat said yesterday, ‘Apart from the legal aspect of the issue, this is a blunder, especially in terms of timing, because in a week your elections will be held and the Copenhagen summit is coming up in just six weeks.’
Ankara is insisting on Turkey’s receiving a date at the Copenhagen summit. Although the barometer seems to be moving in our favor, it’s uncertain whether a definite decision will be made at the December summit. This should be borne in mind when we read the barometer.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION