Cyprus-Forum.com

[joe]

Speech by Olli Rehn in Ankara

Member of the European Commission, responsible for Enlargement


“Turkey’s best response is a rock-solid commitment to reforms”

International Symposium on "European Social Model and Trade Union Rights within the EU negotiations”

Ankara, 3-4 October 2006


Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends,
Gunaydin! (good morning)

Let me start by warmly thanking the organisers of this symposium. This is a prime example of the kind of initiatives that are needed to enable the civil societies of Turkey and the EU to get to know each other better.

The role of social partners is central in any modern society. Social dialogue has been a cornerstone of the European project since its very beginning. For Turkey it is also important since one of the premises for a successful accession is a broad societal consensus on European goals. The same goes for meeting the challenges of globalisation. Needless to say, trade unions play a particularly valuable role in this respect.

I am glad to be today in Ankara for the first anniversary of the EU’s accession negotiations with Turkey. The 3rd of October 2005 was a historic day. The decision opened up the process towards Turkey's accession to the EU and it implied a qualitative change in our relations, as your country has since then no longer been a candidate but a negotiating country.

The challenge today is to make the utmost out of this process. It will call for adaptations and sometimes difficult decisions.

It should not be surprise to any that there is an on-going debate on enlargement in the EU as well as in Turkey. Such a debate is normal and healthy. And you should not expect it to stop: it will accompany the process until the very end, and even beyond.

In the EU, this debate is wide. Voices have been raised requesting a pause to enlargement. There are those who have concerns about issues such as the effect on the labour market or the costs for the present Member States. There are some who wonder how EU will function with Turkey as a member. But this debate is not Turkey-specific, it has to do with the Union itself.

It is in this context that president Barroso clarified recently that a new institutional settlement should have been born by the time the next member is going to join the Union. While we prepare internally for a new institutional settlement, the gradual and carefully managed accession process continues with the countries of Southeastern Europe, that is, Bulgaria and Romania, Turkey and Croatia, and other Western Balkans countries. We are cautious about taking on any new commitments, but we stick to our existing commitments to these countries.

In this country, some interpret this as a sign of the EU weakening its commitment to Turkey. The average Turkish citizen might ask: do they really mean business? Do they really want my country into the EU?

Let me put this debate in context. To start with, let me be clear, the EU means business. We are talking about Turkey's accession and nothing else.

However, it is also perfectly normal that, every time we welcome a new member to our family, we want to ensure that the house is comfortable and functional for everybody. In other words, the EU must be able to effectively continue to deliver its policies. This is nothing new, but has been the challenge of all previous enlargements.

We need to maintain the momentum of European integration. Absorption capacity is a factor important for both Turkey and the EU: it is in your country's interest to ensure that you join a well functioning European Union – not a weak or a messy EU! I am confident that we will address this issue in an appropriate way.

Second, EU is a complex organisation. We have our institutional framework, within which the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission play their distinctive roles. We are a Union of 25 Member States, each of them with their democratically elected Government, its elections, its politicians who express their views in the context of their national debate.

We should welcome this debate and meet arguments with counterarguments, myths with facts, and, inertia with action. Turkey's best response is a rock-solid, resolute commitment to reforms that would allow the country to meet the conditions for accession.
Let there be no misunderstanding on the strategic value of our common project. Europe needs Turkey as a key player, as a bridge and as a proactive moderator. Turkish accession should set a powerful counter-example to the alleged 'clash of civilisations'. Turkey is, also, essential for the stability and security of one of the most unstable and insecure regions in the world. Turkey's strategic significance was once again illustrated by its decision to take part in the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon.

But to make the accession process with Turkey a success, there needs to be concrete progress on the ground within the country. I keep repeating this and will continue relentlessly: the reforms you implement will determine the pace of the process. Thus, the accession process takes place mostly here, in Turkey, and not in Brussels.

Against this background, the adoption of the ninth reform package is necessary. It concerns a number of issues that Turkey needs to address as a matter of urgency, even if it does not address the critical issue of free speech. I am convinced that Turkey's progress in resolutely pursuing the reform agenda will have a most positive impact on the European public opinion.

First, freedom of expression must be brought fully in line with European standards. There have been altogether some 70 cases against journalists, authors, publishers and citizen activists for supposedly “insulting Turkishness”, but in reality expressing non-violent opinions. The prosecutions have been done on the basis of the notorious Article 301 of the penal code. We pointed out the loophole already when the new penal code was prepared, but our advice was not taken into account. The recent ruling of the Court of Cassation on the Hrant Dink case set a jurisprudence which keeps freedom of expression under threat in this country. The judicial proceedings have a chilling effect and damage the important work carried out by journalists, intellectuals and activists. It is high time that Turkey brings the penal code into line with the European Convention on Human Rights.

Let me be absolutely clear here. This is not a matter for horse-trading. The aim is not just to meet the "request of Brussels", as I read from time to time in the Turkish media. Freedom of expression, in the sense of expressing freely even a critical but clearly non-violent opinion, is part of the EU’s political criteria. It is a cornerstone of our common democratic values. I cannot even imagine a member state in the European Union that would not respect such a fundamental European principle as the freedom of expression. Hence, those opposing repealing the unjustified restrictions of free speech in Article 301 and other parts of the Turkish law, are effectively opposing a key condition of EU membership.

But this is first and foremost in the interest of the Turkish citizens. Freedom of expression is the foundation of any open society and key to modernisation and social progress, which Turkey rightly strives for.

The same goes for other fundamental freedoms, as for instance freedom of religion. Non-Muslim and, also, Muslim communities, for instance the Alevis, still face difficulties on the ground. The adoption of a law which improves the property situation of these communities is now urgent.

As regards women's rights, the implementation of legal provisions, for example as regards punishment of crimes supposedly committed in the name of honour, needs to be improved.

The terrorist activity of PKK has been condemned by the EU without any ambiguity. But the problems of the Southeast cannot be addressed through an exclusively security approach. Turkey needs to develop a strategy for the region that addresses its political and socio-economic problems together with the cultural rights of the Kurdish population.

We are also concerned of the possible restrictive impact of the amendments to the anti-terror law upon fundamental freedoms of Turkish citizens. The law defines terrorism far too widely and vaguely.

Coming to matters more closely linked with this Symposium, Turkey needs to ensure that full Trade Union rights are respected in line with EU standards and ILO Conventions, in particular as regards the right to organise, the right to strike and the right to bargain collectively. To this effect, Turkey needs to eliminate existing restrictions and adopt a fully revised legislation in this area for both private and public sectors.

Unfortunately, no progress has been made by Turkey on the trade union rights recently. Therefore, one of my main messages to my Turkish interlocutors today and tomorrow will be that we expect the Government to redress this and present a legislative initiative shortly, once the ongoing consultation with social partners has been duly completed.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We appreciate the reforms Turkey has carried out in the recent years. But as a friend of Turkey, I want to be frank and open with you, as friends always should be: the pace of reforms has slowed down in the past twelve months. The expectations have risen since Turkey became a negotiating country on 3 October last year. It is therefore all the more important that new initiatives are taken and tangible progress is still achieved before the Commission will present its report on 8 November.

Since signing the Additional Protocol of the Association Agreement in July 2005 as a condition to open the accession negotiations, Turkey has not moved towards its implementation. It has not removed obstacles to the free movement of goods, including restrictions on transport links with Cyprus. Yet, this is a legal, contractual obligation Turkey has made.

Dear Friends,

Our common endeavour of the EU accession process with Turkey is not only about reforms and chapters. It is as much about communication and mutual understanding.

Many Europeans ask questions which concern geography, culture, religion, civilization, history. They ponder what will be the impact of Turkey’s EU accession on the philosophy of the European integration and on the effective functioning of the EU. Many concerns are understandable and must be addressed in the course of the negotiations. Others result from ignorance of what Turkey is today.

Concerns of the Turkish public opinion seem to be of a different nature. The main challenge is the perceived uncertainty of the EU’s true intentions towards Turkey. As I said, we mean business, and you can rest assured that the EU is committed to pursue Turkey’s EU accession, on the condition it meets our criteria fully.

Be that as it may, we must get to know each other better. This is the aim of the Commission’s programme to enable a civil society dialogue between Turkey and the EU. Some 70 million euros will be committed to this programme in 2006.

It is a bottom-up and not a top-down exercise, based on the demand from the civil society organisations. It aims at promoting interaction between non-governmental organisations, e.g. student exchange, study visits of journalists, as well as exchange between women’s organisations, trade unions, chamber of commerce and business communities. Local government is included through exchange and twinning.

I want to encourage you, as social partners, to use this opportunity.

Dear Friends,

We have a common goal to counter the pessimists and avoid train crash. Nothing is predetermined. With political will we can turn the tide and pave the way for Turkey’s accession to the EU. It matters to our future, for our children and grandchildren.

If Turkey succeeds in its reforms and meets the criteria of accession, it will become an ever stronger bridge of civilisations. This is a great opportunity for both Europe and Turkey, especially for their younger generations. I want to make sure that this opportunity is not missed.

Thank you for your attention.

[Piratis]

Turkey believes that the American support will be enough to make them an EU member. This is why they have shown a total disrespect to EU and even more disrespect towards some EU member states.

I think the EU should immediately froze the EU accession of Turkey and set a specific deadline until when Turkey should do everything that EU asked. If Turkey doesn't then her accession process should be permanently terminated.

[stuballstu]

Piratis wrote

Turkey believes that the American support will be enough to make them an EU member. This is why they have shown a total disrespect to EU and even more disrespect towards some EU member states.

I think the EU should immediately froze the EU accession of Turkey and set a specific deadline until when Turkey should do everything that EU asked. If Turkey doesn't then her accession process should be permanently terminated.

Piratis

If Turkey EU aspirations were to be "permanently terminated" or indeed suspended where would that leave the ROC government and Greek Cypriots?

Please bare in mind that prior to the Annan referendum Greek Cypriots were encouraged to vote no as membership to the EU would give Greek Cypriots a better negotiating position. If what you say happened it could be disasterous for ordinary Greek Cypriots as what other leverage could their government use? It is not inconceivable that ordinary Greek Cypriots may rue the day that they said no to the A plan if Turkeys EU accession was halted as things would just continue how they are in Cyprus. Who knows it may be for another 30+ years with politicians looking to score points rather than solve the political issues of Cyprus.

The ROC needs a Turkey with EU aspirations more than it needs one without.

[Sotos]

And what is the benefit if Turkey continues without making any concessions?

[Viewpoint]

Turkey believes that the American support will be enough to make them an EU member. This is why they have shown a total disrespect to EU and even more disrespect towards some EU member states.

I think the EU should immediately froze the EU accession of Turkey and set a specific deadline until when Turkey should do everything that EU asked. If Turkey doesn't then her accession process should be permanently terminated.

The deadline has been set, for end of this year.

[stuballstu]

And what is the benefit if Turkey continues without making any concessions?

Why is it most Greek Cypriots think that it will only be Turkey who will have to make concessions?

[Alexis]

Why is it most Greek Cypriots think that it will only be Turkey who will have to make concessions?

The point being that we (GCs) should not have to make concessions to Turkey but to the TC Community to solve the Cyprus Problem. If Turkey wants to join the EU and she occupies a member state it is she that has to make the concession of withdrawing her troops from that member state for example, unless of course a comprehensive settlement is reached in Cyprus whereby some of here troops may be allowed to stay even after entry.

[Viewpoint]

Why is it most Greek Cypriots think that it will only be Turkey who will have to make concessions?

The point being that we (GCs) should not have to make concessions to Turkey but to the TC Community to solve the Cyprus Problem. If Turkey wants to join the EU and she occupies a member state it is she that has to make the concession of withdrawing her troops from that member state for example, unless of course a comprehensive settlement is reached in Cyprus whereby some of here troops may be allowed to stay even after entry.

What will you do about your army? will they withdraw or disappear as well? You may argue they are "RoC" soldiers but unfortunately they do not repesent or protect me, I would feel very uncomforable and at the mercy of GCs which is unacceptable to most TCs.

[Kikapu]

Turkey believes that the American support will be enough to make them an EU member. This is why they have shown a total disrespect to EU and even more disrespect towards some EU member states.

I think the EU should immediately froze the EU accession of Turkey and set a specific deadline until when Turkey should do everything that EU asked. If Turkey doesn't then her accession process should be permanently terminated.

Piratis,

I don't know who you're trying to impress with your "Reverse Psychology" by wanting Turkey out of the EU. We all know, that's the last thing that you would want to happen to Turkey, being denied entry to EU, that is.!!

[Piratis]

And what is the benefit if Turkey continues without making any concessions?

Why is it most Greek Cypriots think that it will only be Turkey who will have to make concessions?

Because they are the ones who are illegally occupying our land. In fact it shouldn't be called "concessions". It should be called immediate withdrawal of all Turkish troops from Republic of Cyprus and restoration of legality.

I don't know who you're trying to impress with your "Reverse Psychology" by wanting Turkey out of the EU. We all know, that's the last thing that you would want to happen to Turkey, being denied entry to EU, that is.!!

Tell me one reason why Cyprus would want Turkey in EU without a solution of the Cyprus problem?

I will tell you many reasons why Cyprus would not want Turkey in EU without a solution to the Cyprus problem:

1) In the future when EU will get closer together and have a common EU defense, any hostilities between Cyprus and Turkey will be considered hostilities between EU and Turkey and not internal hostilities between two member states where EU can not take sides.

2) By entering the EU, Turkey will get richer and will be able to buy more weapons that can be used against us. Why would we want that?

3) IF they enter the EU they might claim that the illegal Turkish settlers that are in Cyprus can be here because they are EU citizens.

4) By keeping them out we will be able to control to a degree the relationship between EU and Turkey (financial support etc)

5) Turkey is hostile towards us, and a Turkey of 80 million people (and analogous representation) in EU would mean that EU in overall will be less friendly for us.

Possibly many more reasons.

Therefore we are not bluffing when we say that we will put a veto on the accession process of Turkey sooner or later unless Turkey withdraws her troops, fully respects the independence and sovereignty of Cyprus and stops acting in a hostile way against us.