Cyprus-Forum.com

[Khan]

Hi NickP,

the reason promises of flights, aid and trade have not been fulfilled is because the GC government shares your view of hindering Turkish independence.

They have blocked flights under the auspices that Ercan does not meet international standards, they have blocked free trade because it would give the north more strength at the negotiating table, they have blocked aid because they insist they have control over how it is spent.These to me are very worrying developments when they are trying to reconcile two people. It cannot be done with a siege mentality on the Turks.

As for what EU has to lose, they have the chance of losing possibly the most democratic and powerful of the muslim countries. Turkey is needed to show the Muslim world that the west in not a crusading Christian club, an eastern European country cant show this. Their membership would promote democratic stablity across the middle east, this is why America is so keen for Turkey to join.

Also you only have to look for support for Turkeys entry by The Economist to know that the EU has a flagging economy which needs a boost that Turkey can provide.

That is the difference with the UK and most of continental Europe. The UK looks at the EU as an economic group which can bring prosperity and stability. The continent looks at it a political and cultural union between white, Christian, Europeans.

[Nickp]

I also wanna add a small thing to Murtaza's reply, EU needs young and hard working population, needs alternative energy source(mineral boron, very productive elements, 90% lies under Turkey) and will need water supply(this is long-term talking, not present time). So in long term THEY need us, for short-term we need them!

I'm a little skeptical concerning this, like i said. Eastern europe has large populations that can fill any labour needs such as poland and soon to be Bulgaria. I think the EU's need of Turkey if anything is more political with this whole war on terror business going on.

Again, i think Turkey have got work hard if there going to change their image in Europe. Speaking to a few German's they percieve the Turkish community in Germany, which is quite substantial, with content for their failure to integrate into society. Hence, if you were German you would feel quite nervous of freedom of movement of people from Turkey to Germany.

Weather this is racist or not i'm not sure. However, i think this maybe one of the biggest things that will be fueling German public opposition.

[Nickp]

Hi NickP,

the reason promises of flights, aid and trade have not been fulfilled is because the GC government shares your view of hindering Turkish independence.

They have blocked flights under the auspices that Ercan does not meet international standards, they have blocked free trade because it would give the north more strength at the negotiating table, they have blocked aid because they insist they have control over how it is spent.These to me are very worrying developments when they are trying to reconcile two people. It cannot be done with a siege mentality on the Turks.

As for what EU has to lose, they have the chance of losing possibly the most democratic and powerful of the muslim countries. Turkey is needed to show the Muslim world that the west in not a crusading Christian club, an eastern European country cant show this. Their membership would promote democratic stablity across the middle east, this is why America is so keen for Turkey to join.

Also you only have to look for support for Turkeys entry by The Economist to know that the EU has a flagging economy which needs a boost that Turkey can provide.

That is the difference with the UK and most of continental Europe. The UK looks at the EU as an economic group which can bring prosperity and stability. The continent looks at it a political and cultural union between white, Christian, Europeans.

Hi Kahn,

It's down to the GC and TC admin's to work together to solve these differences. However, as always cypriot stubberness is working against us. We can only elect these people with the hope they serve our best interests.

I agree with your political point as i've highlighted it in previous listing. As for this economy thing, i've heard a few news reports about it, but i would have to read more up on it to get a better understanding. From what i know, western Turkey is approaching wealth levels of Greece, and eastern Turkey is virutally the eqivilent of Afghanistan. Funnily enough, this is where all the Kurds live too.

Maybe if you let them break off it may make your accession course easier.... Plus you wont have snobby EU countries saying it will extend our boarders to Iraq, Iran and Syria

[Turkey (( *]

I also wanna add a small thing to Murtaza's reply, EU needs young and hard working population, needs alternative energy source(mineral boron, very productive elements, 90% lies under Turkey) and will need water supply(this is long-term talking, not present time). So in long term THEY need us, for short-term we need them!

I'm a little skeptical concerning this, like i said. Eastern europe has large populations that can fill any labour needs such as poland and soon to be Bulgaria. I think the EU's need of Turkey if anything is more political with this whole war on terror business going on.

Again, i think Turkey have got work hard if there going to change their image in Europe. Speaking to a few German's they percieve the Turkish community in Germany, which is quite substantial, with content for their failure to integrate into society. Hence, if you were German you would feel quite nervous of freedom of movement of people from Turkey to Germany.

Weather this is racist or not i'm not sure. However, i think this maybe one of the biggest things that will be fueling German public opposition.

Ok I agree with us trying to change our image by promoting our country, etc,etc. But do you seriously think that a few small Eastern countries can fill EU's need for young population!?!?!?!?!!!! That is not very likely!

[Nickp]

The new 10 members of the EU have an equivilent population of Turkey, 8 of these are Eastern European countries poorer in comparison to the rest of the EU. With Bulgaria and Romania on the verge of joining these countries have substantial populations too.

Hence, this is why i belive there is more than enough labour force within Europe.

If you do not agree state why you think Turkey is a better option?

[brother]

Sorry Turkey but nickp is right, a lot of what you have said is propoganda for the turkish citizens consumption.

[Turkey (( *]

Allright, I partially agree but this young population from Eastern Europe is not very well educated. If these 10 new EU members make a Turkey, I will ask you a question:

You have two countries with a population of 75 million which one would you choose from the choices below:
a) 80% educated 75 million
b) 50% educated 75 million?

These percentages are not real, it may be exaggeration but you understand what I am saying

[Turkey (( *]

Sorry Turkey but nickp is right, a lot of what you have said is propoganda for the turkish citizens consumption.

It could well be, I am just posting what I know and I am open to corrections...

[brother]

That is why i believe E.U is keeping turkey close, to absorb what she likes and kick back the rest hence the quotas on migration they talked about etc. which goes completely against the idea of full membership.

[Nickp]

I'm no expert on the matter, i've just put this information forward on what i have read and making a rationale decision in terms of my opinion.