by halil » Fri Nov 19, 2010 7:29 pm
Nato-EU relations remain unresolved
Anatolian News Agency
Despite all negotiations going on for weeks, differences remain on several other issues, such as NATO-EU relations.
On missile defense system, which is considered the major topic on the NATO summit that will shape the future of the alliance for the next decade, Turkey's expectations have largely been met, diplomatic officials said.
Last week, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey wanted the command of the missile shield.
"If the missile shield system is thought to be installed in our territories, its command should definitely be in our hands. Otherwise, it is impossible for us to accept such a thing," Erdogan had said.
All NATO powers back Turkey's stance that the missile shield should not target any specific country and that the project should cover all NATO countries as a whole. However, Germany, supported by some northern European countries, argues that NATO's nuclear deterrence policy should be reviewed because of the defense guarantee offered by the missile shield project. France and United States argue that the missile shield is not an alternative to nuclear deterrence policy, but it is a complementary project.
On NATO-EU relations, another topic of the summit which is important for Turkey, there are still big differences between Ankara and other European governments.
Turkey backs NATO-EU cooperation in an outline which has already been drawn, and expects EU to fulfill its commitments.
Just like the Norway model, EU should accept Turkey --a non-EU NATO ally-- to European Defense Agency, recognize Ankara in European security and defense policy, and include Turkey in its decision-making process for operations as Turkey makes the largest part of contributions to EU missions outside EU.
The Union fails in taking steps regarding these issues because of Greek Cypriot veto.
Turkey highlights the fact that EU has not displayed necessary determination so far to move forward its cooperation with NATO.