Cyprus-Forum.com

[Paphitis]

What GR ? Are you suggesting that, for example, Greek Orthodox 'culture' is more accepting or tolerant of 'EU interference', or that Russian Orthodox or Lutheran 'culture' is more forgiving of EU directives ?

On what grounds do you speculate that 'Islamic culture would not tolerate the levels of interference the EU has in store for them' ? Why not the opposite ?

I said Islamic culture not just religion. The EU conducts checks for a wide range of things over the period of an average year. For example, the EU would regularly expect Turkey to demonstrate equal opportunities for women and homosexuals and that would be the challenge of the century for a country like Turkey…

I think anyone who reckons that Turkey can snuggly fit into the EU ideal doesn’t know anything about Islamic countries and/or has taken Turkey’s “secular” touting too seriously.

So how did Cyprus get past these challenges?

I think you are placing too much emphasis on social and ethical reform, but what you don't seem to understand, is that money and greed mould every nations social and ethical fabric. I am sure Turkey would not have a problem with fitting in the EU, once those massive grants start coming through, and her industrial output increases substantially, as European firms relocate their operations within that country. The average Turk would almost instantly have decent employment opportunities and their economy will grow as fast, if not faster, than China and India IMHO. The country would be much more stable as well.

[Tim Drayton]

What GR ? Are you suggesting that, for example, Greek Orthodox 'culture' is more accepting or tolerant of 'EU interference', or that Russian Orthodox or Lutheran 'culture' is more forgiving of EU directives ?

On what grounds do you speculate that 'Islamic culture would not tolerate the levels of interference the EU has in store for them' ? Why not the opposite ?

I said Islamic culture not just religion. The EU conducts checks for a wide range of things over the period of an average year. For example, the EU would regularly expect Turkey to demonstrate equal opportunities for women and homosexuals and that would be the challenge of the century for a country like Turkey…

I think anyone who reckons that Turkey can snuggly fit into the EU ideal doesn’t know anything about Islamic countries and/or has taken Turkey’s “secular” touting too seriously.

So how did Cyprus get past these challenges?

I think you are placing too much emphasis on social and ethical reform, but what you don't seem to understand, is that money and greed mould every nations social and ethical fabric. I am sure Turkey would not have a problem with fitting in the EU, once those massive grants start coming through, and her industrial output increases substantially, as European firms relocate their operations within that country. The average Turk would almost instantly have decent employment opportunities and their economy will grow as fast, if not faster, than China and India IMHO. The country would be much more stable as well.

I think that, paradoxically, it is Turkey's current unique position as a member of a customs union with the EU without being a member that makes Turkey such an attractive place for multinationals. Despite having unlimited, duty-free access to the EU market, they do not have to comply with myriad EU regulations governing everything from workers' rights to environmental protection. It is a win-win situation for capital. You would see the truth of this if only you could make the journey along the coast from Istanbul to Adapazari and pass through this eighty-mile long strip full of industrial plant and building sites where new factories are being constructed.