Turkey will be ready for EU by 2014
09 December 2010, Thursday / AYŞE KARABAT, COPENHAGEN 1 0 0 0
On a three-day visit to Denmark, Turkey’s chief EU negotiator and State Minister Egemen Bağış met with Danish Interior Minister Bertel Haarder yesterday.
Turkey's chief EU negotiator, State Minister Egemen Bağış, who is on a three-day trip to Denmark, has said that Turkey will be able complete all the necessary requirements to join the EU by 2014.
Bağış, on his first trip to Denmark after being appointed chief negotiator two years ago, aims to turn to a new page with Denmark. While addressing the Danish European Movement, he underlined that the accession process is more important than the result and that Turkey will remain patient while preparing itself for EU accession.
He underlined that European prejudices Turkey faces are still very firm but that Europe will come to understand that Turkey won't be a burden but an asset for the EU.
Bağış pointed out that blocking some chapters while citing the Cyprus problem is unfair because the same problem did not prevent Greek Cyprus from becoming a member of the EU.
“It is ridicules that some EU members are hiding behind this beautiful island,” he said.
He noted that the Turkish government had recently implemented a democratization initiative to solve the Kurdish problem facing Turkey. He also added that the Turkish government had started an initiative to solve problems of the Roma community, this at a time when some European countries are deporting them. “Turkish citizens deserve better standards in all fields of life, and the EU process serves to that end,” he said.
He also mentioned the economic crisis shaking Europe, but added that the Turkish economy is growing very rapidly. “Turkey is an energy hub but the energy chapter cannot be opened in negotiations due to the Cyprus problem. Imagine a Turkish company doing business with Europe involving millions of euros but the owner of the company still faces difficulties getting a visa,” he said, explaining the cost of leaving Turkey outside of the union.
Copenhagen-Ankara relations are facing difficulties due to the presence of Roj TV, which is affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). A court case was recently opened against Roj TV by Danish authorities, a move that made it easier for Turkey to seek better relations with Denmark.
Bağış underlined the importance of cooperation in the fight against terrorism and said that “until everyone is safe, no one is safe.”
He also spoke about relations between Europe and the Muslim world. Addressing the riots in France of a few years ago, he said arsonists who set cars on fire there had been young Muslims who were born in France but felt they had been treated as “outsiders.”
“It is important to give the right message to the Muslim world. Turkey is the right message,” he said.
When asked about declining support within Turkish society for the EU process, he said if you ask Turkish citizens if Turkey will be a member of the EU, the majority will say “no.” But if you ask them if Turkey should be a member of the EU, the majority will say “yes.”
“Most believe the EU process is strengthening Turkey,” he underlined.
While answering a question on Turkey's Iran policy, he said past implementations proved sanctions are ineffective. “Instead of sanctions it is better to open, for example, a McDonald's in Iran. It is better to win this country over. Trying to implement sanctions creates walls, but if you break the walls, you will be able to convince them of a common future,” he said.
Bağış, who in previous statements underlined that Turkey should be presented to Europe with its culture and art, participated in the opening ceremony of a cultural event titled “Turkey: Missing Star” on Tuesday night. He said these kinds of events aim to present the various colors of Turkey.
“Turkey: Missing Star” includes screenings of Turkish movies and an exhibition.
Many famous Turkish film directors and actors were in Denmark for the event, which was opened by Turkish model Tülin Şahin, who was born in Denmark.
http://www.todayszaman.com/news-229094-turkey-will-be-ready-for-eu-by-2014.html
so a solution is near and wondering where it will leave the tcs...coz in order to be ready recognition of the RoC is a requirement...prior to joining...
what was that the tcs were saying turkey doesn't want to join?...
or maybe this post should be moved to the jokes section...
