Zaman, Turkey
April 30 2004
Chirac Supports Turkey’s E.U. Membership in the ‘Long Run’
French President, Jacques Chirac, said Thursday that Turkey was not
ready for full membership in the European Union (EU) under the
present circumstances, but said that he thinks positively about
Ankara’s membership in the long run.
The French leader said that the membership of Turkey, which he
defined as a ‘secular, strong and democratic country’, would be for
the good of the E.U. He stressed that this would end the clash of
civilizations theory, which pits the West against Islamic
civilization. Chirac noted that the Turkish government has passed
reform laws and said the E.U. would care about the implementation as
well as the reforms.
In a press conference held at the Elysee Palace to announce his
opinions on E.U.’s enlargement, Chirac noted that although talks with
Ankara start next year, the process could take a long time and said,
“talks will last for 10 years or more.”
Using England as an example, Chirac acknowledged that during the
membership period, the European public’s attitude towards Turkey
could change as well.
The French leader said if Turkey’s efforts to join the Union are
ignored for religious or ethnic reasons, then Ankara would be alone
and this would cause the feared clash of civilizations to occur. The
President stated that Turkey’s membership was not an issue of debate.
The E.U. state and government presidents accepted its candidacy at
the Helsinki Summit held in 1999.
When asked whether the recognition of the alleged Armenian genocide
would be taken as a precondition for Turkey’s E.U. membership, Chirac
said this was an issue between Turkey and Armenia and it would not be
a condition for E.U. membership.
Support for Enlargement
Chirac stressed May 1, 2004 is an important date in E.U. history and
said enlargement was a chance for both France and Europe. Noting the
significance of enlargement in providing democracy and stability to
Europe, Chirac acknowledged that the E.U. with its 450-million
population would emerge as the world’s most important economic power.
Chirac argued that the European Constitution, which will be taken up
at the European Council to be held in Brussels in June, was an
assertive and faithful text and said that for the E.U. to advance
effectively, a compromise should be reached on the Constitution.
04.30.2004
Ali Ihsan Aydin
Paris