http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php? ... 2011-02-28
Turkish PM makes plea for EU entry in Germany
Turkey's prime minister Monday made a passionate plea for his country's accession to the European Union as he opened a trade fair in Germany, which is opposed to Ankara joining the 27-nation EU.
Speaking in the presence of Chancellor Angela Merkel, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that recent unrest in the Arab world had proved the importance of having Turkey on board given its strategic geopolitical position.
"The events in the Middle East and Africa have drawn everyone's attention to Turkey's importance. Turkey can communicate with East and West and with North and South. Turkey is a country that really knows its neighbors," he said. (
yes. none of them can stand u)
"We expect that populist policies are not pursued in Europe in terms of our accession, and we expect a long-term perspective," said the prime minister.
Turkey and the EU are at an impasse in talks over Ankara's bid to join the bloc, which have faltered largely due to deadlock over the divided island of Cyprus.
Erdoğan has been especially vocal in recent days, suggesting Turkey's patience with Brussels may be running thin.
In comments ahead of his trip to Germany, Erdoğan said: "If they do not want Turkey in, they should say this openly ... and then we will mind our own business and will not bother them." (
how pathetic)
"But there is a lot we can give the EU and the EU has a lot to give Turkey."
Germany, together with France, opposes Turkey's accession and advocates what has become known as a "special partnership" for the sizable nation, an idea Ankara flatly rejects.
Merkel made no mention of Turkey's EU ambitions in her own speech.
"Of course there are some who doubt the benefit of Turkey joining the EU, but they should look at the attitude of Turkey just recently because that is a very good lesson for them," said Erdoğan. (
absolutely)
He added that as Turkey grows closer to the EU, public opinion in European countries, including Germany, would move in the favor of a closer relationship.
Merkel and Erdoğan were opening the CeBIT, the world's largest high-tech fair, expected to welcome around 350,000 visitors in the coming five days. Turkey is the so-called "partner country" at this year's fair.
