Newsgroups: bit.listserv.hellas
Date:         Mon, 23 Nov 1992 15:59:07 EST
Reply-To:     "Efstratios N. Kontogiannis" <enkontog@MAILBOX.SYR.EDU>
From:         "Efstratios N. Kontogiannis" <enkontog@MAILBOX.SYR.EDU>
Subject:      TURKEY AND THE EC

SOURCE: THE EUROPEAN 19-22 NOVEMBER 1992
TITLE: HANDS ACROSS THE BOSPOROUS

The underlying philosophy of an ever-closer union among the peoples of Europe
is based on the concept of the will to live together, and on the mutual
respect for a different cultural identities of people who share the same

values, interests and destiny.

Turkey first embraced this philosphy in the Ankara Agreement of 1964, when she
opted for the tighter bonds of political and economical integration with the
European Community rather than the more flexible free market arrangements
of EFTA. Turkey is the oldest associate member of the EC, and perharps the
only one with a claim to full membership. It was on the basis that Turkey
applied, in 1987, for such membership.

A commission opinion issued in 1989, upheld Turkey's eligibility, and
underlined the fundamental interest of the Community in deepening its
relations with her. But because of certain political and economical
problems it refrained from proposing a time frame within which full
membership could become a reality.

Our commitment to the ideals represented by the Community remains unchanged,
and in this spirit we continue to support Community efforts to lay the
 foundations for a strengthened and united Europe. My government is strongly
 committed
to reinforcing our relations with the EC, in line with the Turkish application
in 1987.

Indeed, historic developments in and around Europe, and the explosive spectre
of revived forms of rampant nationalism, are drawing Turkey into the political
center of Europe, along with the developments taking place in the republics of
 the Commonwealth of Independent States. A positive evaluation of Turkey as a
member of the Community is becoming imperative.

Turkey is no longer a mere Cold War asset with a strategic location, as the
jargon of the past would have it. Today she is a regional pillar of stability.
It is in the interest of all to reinforce Turkey's European ties, by properly
recognising her European credentials. This is why we hope there will soon be
tangible improvements in relations between Turkey and the EC.

Turkey is an important asset, with her well-trained workforce, natural
resources, widening infrastructure and the increasing purchasing power of her
 citizens.

Links with the CIS republics are only one of the new dimensions Turkey can bring
to the Community. A more forthcoming attitude from the Community will help to
reinforce Turkey's stance, and encourage still more investment and the transfer
of technology to Turkey. It will also boost commercial exchange between the
two. Turkey already ranks as the tenth most important importer from the
 Community. The flow to Turkey of capital from EC member states surpassed US $4
 billion
(Ecu 3.25bn) in 1992.

We are also engaged in the shaping of new forms of economic co-operation,
such as the Black Sea Economic Co-operation project and the Economic
Co-operation Organisation. While the former aims at bringing together the
countries of a self-enclosed region in order to better tap its resources,
the latter aims to improve the established patterns of economic co-operation
between Turkey and her partners in the East.

More remarkably, this intensification of co-operation also serves to
promote democratic values and to strengthen free exchange and market economies
in this important region.

Indeed, we see a strong need on the part of the EC to reassess the increasing
strengths of Turkey. We must let our relations be guided once again by the
sense of vision which the founding fathers of the Community and past generations
 of Turkish politicians had the far-sightedness to share and work upon.

For these reasons we welcome the EC summit held last June in Lisbon, which
acknowledged:"Turkey's role in the present European situation is of the
greatest importance, and there is every reason to intensify cooperation and
develop relations in line with the prospects laid down in the 1964
Agreements, including political dialogue at the highest level".

It is clear that Turkey is a country with an enormous potential. The fact
that successive governments have felt an overiding sense of responsibility
to exploit this potential is singularly positive. After all, no other
country has succeeded in quite the same way in bringing about such a
thorough transformation, which is serving today as a source of inspiration
to nations both in and around Europe.

Turkey understands the present difficulties of the Community. On more than
one occasion we have expressed our readiness to assist it. This does not
diminish the need for more open and sincere discussion between the two
partners respecting not only the historic bond between them but their
contractual obligations towards each other as well.

A more forthcoming Community in this sense, coupled with a coherent
approach in political and economic terms, will assist our efforts to
strengthen this valuable relationship. If we can rediscover the sources
of inspiration which led the two parties to sign the Ankara Agreement,
and as long as there is a sense of vision in our relations, Turkey
and the Community can overcome every obstacle.

It is time to take stock of Turkey on a more permanent basis as opposed
to the fluctuating, crisis-based evaluation which seems more anachronistic
with every passing day.

--TURKEY'S PRIME MIMISTER EXPLAINS WHY HIS COUNTRY BELONGS IN THE EC

--
STRATOS KONTOGIANNHS
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY, MAXWELL SCHOOL
--
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