Turkish Press
May 9 2005
The European Union And The Time To Settle Accounts
BY FERAI TINC
HURRIYET- As we watch the celebrations held to mark Europe’s
liberation from Nazi occupation, I see that we look at this day as a
`matter concerning Europe.’ We view these events as if they are a
process taking place outside of us. However, even given the fact that
we didn’t take part in World War II, the reasons behind the conflict
as well as its outcome are also part of our history.
If half of Europe had not remained under Soviet occupation, could
Turkey have taken its present place on platforms weighing heavily on
Turkey’s integration with Europe? Would the Ankara agreement be
signed, which opens the door to Europe, and would Turkey be seen as a
partner of the European market?
Even if we didn’t enter World War II, the VE Day to be celebrated
with the participation of European leaders as well as those of the
United States and Russia is also a part of our history. If we grasp
this situation, it would help us understand our real role in all of
the discussions throughout the world.
As for Europe, it is going through an interesting period. The
discussions which it had left behind in the pages of history are
coming to life again. It has been said that condemning the Nazis is
not enough to stop genocide. Some say that both genocides in history
and genocides still being carried out must be condemned.
Another subject which should be borne in mind is May 8, the date when
Nazi Germany surrendered unconditionally, is not a liberation day for
all of Europe. This day was a liberation for some countries, but for
Germany and Eastern Europe it was the beginning of the Soviet
occupation.
This year, under the pressure of Germany and other European Union
leaders, the European Union Commission not only celebrated the
victory but also said that it was commemorating the innocent victims
of past clashes. This process also adds to the pressure on Turkey
about the Armenian issue.
Is settling accounts a threat for Europe? No it is not. We should
learn Europe’s methods too.