Cyprus-Forum.com

[Kikapu]

THE Turkish President, Abdullah Gul, says his country still wants to join the EU, describing his nation as: "A natural part of Europe”

In an exclusive interview with Britain’s Daily Telegraph, Mr Gul said that Turkish membership of the 27-member bloc would strengthen the EU.

“Being a member of the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights; being one of the oldest members of Nato, as well as being part of European culture and art - this is a natural path Turkey is flowing into.”

Gul called on those opposed to the idea of Turkey joining the EU to look to the future.

"But those who can think 30 years, 60 years ahead, and who can think about the changing trends in the economy and the changing centres of power, can understand how much strength Turkey can bring to the existing strength of Europe.

"In the past it was only considered from the perspective of security, Turkey being a strong and old member of NATO.

"But now, consider the potential that Turkey has: Turkey's position, her assets, the value she can add in terms of energy resources, her population, the dynamism she can bring into Europe, and also the growth that she can bring, with Turkey being the engine of this growth."

Mr Gul, who will arrive for a three-day state visit to Britain later today. — Copyright © Famagusta Gazette 2011

http://famagusta-gazette.com/gul-turkey ... 541-69.htm

I want to know what Gül is smoking to be brave enough to make the above gibberish.

[Talisker]

Turkey is a natural part of Europe.

Thanks Kikapu, I needed a good laugh on a Sunday evening.

[Kikapu]

Turkey is a natural part of Europe.

Thanks Kikapu, I needed a good laugh on a Sunday evening.

I think Gül has said enough gibberish to make you laugh for a while!

He has for me!

[bill cobbett]

I want to know what "energy resources" the deranged, thieving plunker is referring to.

[Kikapu]

...and the laughs keeps on coming....!

Turkey can be EU’s growth engine: Gül

Gül said there was no longer a place for authoritarian regimes in the Mediterranean region.

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php? ... 2011-11-20

So Turkey occupies northern Cyprus with authoritarian rule by keeping rightful owners from returning to their land and properties.

Meanwhile, Turkey’s EU Affairs Minister Egemen Bağış said yesterday no one could argue that Turkey was perfect with democracy, freedom of expression and individual rights at global standards. “Yet, today’s Turkey is much better than yesterday’s,” said Bağış on Nov. 19 at a summit in Istanbul, Anatolia news agency reported.

“Tomorrow’s Turkey will be better than today’s. What makes Turkey a source of inspiration is this process of change,” he said.

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php? ... 2011-11-20

That like a wife batterer saying, "I use to beat my wife 4 times a week, but now I only beat her 4 times a month, and in the future, I will only beat her 4 times a year, so you see, I'm becoming a "better/good" wife batterer so let me become an EU member"!

Davutoğlu said Nov. 18 that their goal was democracy at EU levels and production at Chinese levels. While producing at Chinese levels, Turkey will reach EU standards in human rights, democracy and labor union rights, he said.

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php? ... 2011-11-20

So what Davutoglu basically saying is, unless Turkey becomes another Chinese level producer (in his dreams), they will not become a EU standard Democracy and Human Rights observers. In another words, the EU must help Turkey become as productive as the Chinese. The only problem is, China with all it's production does not herself have a EU standard Democracy and Human Rights, so why would Turkey have it if she does not want one now as a non EU member.

[supporttheunderdog]

Meanwhile, Turkey’s EU Affairs Minister Egemen Bağış said yesterday no one could argue that Turkey was perfect with democracy, freedom of expression and individual rights at global standards. “Yet, today’s Turkey is much better than yesterday’s,” said Bağış on Nov. 19 at a summit in Istanbul, Anatolia news agency reported.

“Tomorrow’s Turkey will be better than today’s. What makes Turkey a source of inspiration is this process of change,” he said.

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php? ... 2011-11-20

Doesn't this one belong in the excellent Bagis the Clown thread?

[bill cobbett]

Meanwhile, Turkey’s EU Affairs Minister Egemen Bağış said yesterday no one could argue that Turkey was perfect with democracy, freedom of expression and individual rights at global standards. “Yet, today’s Turkey is much better than yesterday’s,” said Bağış on Nov. 19 at a summit in Istanbul, Anatolia news agency reported.

“Tomorrow’s Turkey will be better than today’s. What makes Turkey a source of inspiration is this process of change,” he said.

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php? ... 2011-11-20

Doesn't this one belong in the excellent Bagis the Clown thread?

You mean this one?... http://www.google.co.uk/search?client=s ... 8QPX3cn2DQ ...

[Get Real!]

He wants in so bad I kinda feel sorry for him... I suspect though that what he really wants is to sit with the big boys and feel "cool" as part of the global driving force.

[Hermes]

Gül said there was no longer a place for authoritarian regimes in the Mediterranean region.

For once I find myself in agreement with Gul. All authoritarian regimes in the Mediterranean should go. Especially the illegal statelet in northern Cyprus which is sustained by 40,000 Turkish troops. I hope Gul can come up with some practical ways to bring about the demise of this barbaric entity which clearly has no place in the modern world.

[supporttheunderdog]

Can we invite Gul and Bagis to contribute straight in the Jokes and Enigma's sections.