Turkey-EU Summit, Antalya, Turkey; 2q2015

[Turkey (Dax)]

[[I'm not sure who is technically going to be at this meeting, though I imagine that France, Britain, Belgium, and Spain, as the only active EU members, will have delegations. Others are welcome to NPC, specifically Germany, Greece, and Cyprus. For our new French and British players, as well as any NPCs, feel free to see this post for background information and general Turkish frame of reference regarding the EU.]]

Turkish President Abdullah Gul was pleased to be hosting an EU delegation in Turkey. Flanked by Mr. Selim Kuneralp, the Turkish ambassador to the European Union; and Egemen Bağış, the Minister for European Affairs and until now chief negotiator with the European Union regarding Turkish membership, President Gul smiled warmly at the assembled EU ambassadors and leaders. Surprised that the President of the EU Commission Philippe de Villiers, a Frenchman, had agreed to hold the summit in Antalya, the setting on Turkish soil made the President feel all the more comfortable, confident, and bold.

Indeed, bold would be required. What was about to take place was unprecedented on a number of levels. While Turkey's initial application to the EU may have sent shock waves through European political and cultural circles, equally unprecedented was the voluntary withdrawal of an EU application by a candidate country. This was, all things considered, uncharted territory, and President Gul was determined to see where it would lead. At this summit, Turkey would attempt to negotiate with the toughest crowd out there -- the European Union -- regarding arrangements for an EU-Turkish "Privileged Partnership". The hope was, according to President Gul's briefing of the ambassadors present, that Turkey would be able to renegotiate certain aspects of Turkey and the European Union's relations to more reflect Turkey's interests. Indeed, the EU nations most averse to Turkish membership included critical players such as France and Germany, both of whom might be open to concessions to Turkish demands in return for the Turkish Question being answered in their favor.

In his grandiose style, President Gul opened the summit. "Welcome to Antalya, and I humbly thank you all for travelling to Turkey for this monumental summit. I hope accommodations are comfortable, and I hope for a productive and constructive meeting going forward.

"Today, we gather to revisit the notion of Turkish relations with the European Union. Given the momentous changes of the last decade since negotiations began, this summit will be uncharted territory for both Turkey and the EU, and it would not be unfair to say that we must start from scratch as far as EU-Turkish relations are concerned. Today, we must decide the nature of the relationship between The Republic of Turkey and the European Community, and to what extent Turkey will be invited or regarded to be involved in the European continent. Indeed, it must be made absolutely crystal clear that Turkey does not intend, nor desire, to withdraw itself from the Concert of Europe, or to maintain minimal relations with the European community. Turkey is a fundamentally European nation, historically, geographically, and culturally linked with Europe through centuries of interaction and intertwining histories. Additionally, Turkey is bound to Europe via the North Atlantic Treaty, an agreement we intend to honor, as well as the OSCE, Council of Europe, and with some member states via the Black Sea Economic Council.

"However, there are several matters which must immediately be brought for discussion, including Turkish participation in the EU's common economic market, as well as the parameters of the special "privileged partnership" Turkey would have with the EU, which has been spoken about at great length by former German and French leaders Merkel and Sarkozy. The specific topics which Turkey wishes to discuss are below, and we welcome EU delegations to add their own subjects to the program:"

• Abolition of the EU-Turkey Customs Union, to be replaced by Turkish participation in the European Union Free Trade Association, with ultimate goal of Turkish inclusion into the European Economic Area;
• Turkish participation in the European Union External Affairs Commission;
• Turkish participation in EU defense structures, and establishing a permanent mechanism for EU-Turkish defense coordination and policy;
• Turkish representation in the EU Commission, EU Council, and/or EU parliament;
• Outstanding issues between Turkey and EU member states, such as Greece and Cyprus

[United Kingdom (LaVoie)]

The British Delegation to the meeting was to be lead by the British Ambassador to Turkey, David Reddaway and the Permanent Representative to the European Union, Sir Jonathan Stephen Cunliffe. The two had met just several times prior to this meeting but had spoken to the Foreign Minister and PM that morning prior to leaving their Hotel and knew what was required of them for this meeting. They had listened attentatively to the Turkish President in his opening statement while also watching the other EU representatives across the room. They knew that the EU has wasted an historic oppurtunity over Turkish membership into the European Union. It has been 28 years since Turkey first declared its interest in gaining EU Membership but states such as Germany and France had continually dragged their heels over the matter and now that oppurtunity was gone but this was perhaps a new one albeit perhaps not the one Britain had hoped for. The Foreign Minister Andrew Mitchell had briefed them to take a stance favourable both to Britain's EU allies as well as the Turkish whom he wished to maintain the strong relations they had enjoyed in recent years. With this is the back of his mind, Sir John Cunliffe stood and began to address the room.

''We must first state that it is with deep regret that we find ourselves here discussing these options. The United Kingdom feels that the slow tempo in regards to Turkish membership into the European Union has resulted in a missed oppurtunity for Turkey and the EU itself. Issues over Human Rights has stalled negotiations for long periods but we must congratulate Turkey on the steps it has taken. Since 2005, Turkey has taken important strides towards meeting EU standards on human rights, democracy and governance. The abolishment of the death penalty, introduction of a zero-tolerance approach to torture and improved rights for women and minority groups. We firmly believe that if this same route had been continued then EU membership would have eventually been granted.

The Economic benefits from Turkish membership would have been substantial for both Turkey and the EU alike. Europe’s influence overseas needs the leverage that a successful democracy in a largely Muslim country would have brought and with this in mind we must support any form of intergration we can make as the European Union with the Republic of Turkey.''

[Australia (TheOne)]

[NPC AS CYPRUS] as requested


President Dimitris Christofias was going to enjoy this, he thought to him self. The stance of the Turks and what they were asking for was hypocritical to say the least, and he would take great pleasure in pointing that out. Perhaps change was on the cards?


"Frankly I too have some disappointment that we are here discussing these issues. The opportunities have been missed, but this is not the fault of the European Union. Turkey has failed to meet the criteria set out. It now brings us all to Antalya, and asks for the criteria to be changed to suit it, so it can get around doing the wrong thing?

To begin with, Turkey has still not recognized the Republic of Cyprus, one criteria missed.
It also on a routine basis, violates Cypriot airspace. And as everyone is aware, it still occupies one third of the Republic of Cyprus, an occupation which the United Nations has declared decades ago as illegal and called for the withdrawal of Turkish occupation forces.
How does Turkey expect to be part of a political union, when it is at such great odds with one of it's members?

Furthermore, given Turkeys refusal to recognize the Republic of Cyprus in any way shape or form, Turkey has not ratified the Customs Union.

Turkey now wishes to be part of European defence structures. How can it expect to participate in common defence structures when it illegally occupies one of the European Union members territory?
Furthermore, Turkey has repeatedly blocked Cyprus from NATO, and in recent years prevented European Union and NATO co-operation.
Ankara now expects Europe to bend to it's will?

Ankara wants representation in the commission, in the parliament, to be involved in EU foreign affairs matters, and to be involved in EU defence matters. On top of this, it wants to be able to skip over the Customs Union protocols, and be inducted straight into the European Union free trade association.

In other words ladies and gentleman, Ankara is asking that it not be scrutinized and have the same things expected of it that other candidates have, but rather that we admit Ankara into the European Union by bypassing the norm, and by overlooking all of it's endless indiscretions and violation of international laws. We should also overlook it's hindrance of EU-NATO defence co-operation.

The Republic of Cyprus will continue to block any attempt by Turkey to gain further access and integration into Europe, so long as the Republic of Turkey continues to occupy one third of Cypriot territory, so long as Turkey continues to violate Cypriot territorial waters and airspace, so long as Turkey does not officially recognize the Republic of Cyprus, so long as Turkey continues to hinder European Union and NATO defence co-operation, so long as Turkey continues to not meet the required criteria for European Union membership and integration.

And I have not even begun to mention the threats and hostile, threatening behavior of Turkey regarding the hydrocarbon reserves discovered in Cypriot waters, close to the Israeli hydrocarbon discoveries.

So long as Turkey behaves the way it does, believing that being a bully in a schoolyard will get it further, the Republic of Cyprus has not other option but to continue to block Turkey.

Of course I am ready to accept and allow Turkey to be part of the European community, should it be ready to alter it's course and it's policies regarding the Republic of Cyprus and, of course the Hellenic Republic and the human rights issues with minorities in Turkey, particularly the Kurds.
This has always been the challenge, and I believe that should we be able to overcome this challenge, that it will be written as one of the most significant moments in modern history. These issues which I have highlighted, have been outstanding for many years. I hope that we are able to over come them finally."

[Best Korea (Schwerpunkt)]

AS BEST GERMANY!





Some German ambassador had been appointed to attend these talks. He was decidedly unremarkable in every way.

"The Cypriot concerns are not without basis," Empty Suit #370174 said. "And it should go without saying that the situation in Cyprus cannot continue if Turkey desires closer cooperation with Brussels. But, at the same time, we acknowledge that the situation on that island is incredibly complicated and that there is no single party at fault. What Berlin would like, should the governments of Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus prove amenable, is to create a special commission to discuss the matter. Such a commission would include representatives from Turkish and Greek Cypriots as well as Greece and Turkey. It would be chaired by a European Union-appointed official -- as a concession to Turkey, said official would likely be a MEP from a non-involved country such as Austria.

"It should be said, however, that concessions here are not a one-way street. No commission could ever hope for a peaceful resolution to that cold conflict if we sit around and pretend that Turkey did not intervene for very understandable reasons -- or acknowledge that Turkey did not take the entire island despite being more than capable of doing so. So while we must stress that the regime in Northern Cyprus be dissolved and its populace reintegrated with the rest of Cyprus, we must also acknowledge that Turkey's concerns regarding such an event are fair and understandable and that all efforts must be made to ensure we do not have another repeat of the EOKA B fiasco. This may require a Belgian-style devolution of power on Cyprus. But we must make it clear that the continued Turkish military presence is not conducive to negotiations on the subject.

"Insofar as defense cooperation is concerned, Germany is certainly interested. Turkey has long been an important member in NATO and has cooperated with Europe on many matters of mutual concern. If nothing else, working with the Turkish military will allow us to improve our counter-terrorism operations and, if the situation in the Middle East continues to spiral downwards, pursue necessary mutual defense projects.

"That said, there are... other issues we are concerned with. Turkey's relationship with Georgia in particular. We do not wish to alienate the Russian Federation, which has made some important strides in cooperating with 'the West,' and Turkey's relationship with Georgia may prove problematic in the coming years. If Turkey wishes to cooperate with the European Union External Affairs Commission, things such as the Turkish relationship with Georgia would need to be addressed."

[Turkey (Dax)]

[[Just a factual error or two on the Customs Union: the EU-Turkey Customs Union has been in force since 1995, 20 years now IG and nearly a decade before Cyprus joined the EU. It has been ratified and is in effect. Though, a curious quirk about the Customs Union is that because EU goods are marked with an EU nation of origin stamp, Turkey doesn't technically have to recognize Cyprus to have a free trade agreement with Cyprus, as Cypriot products can enter Turkey via Greece, Bulgaria, etc. as an EU product.

Also, the EU does have an effective free trade agreement with Turkey as of 1996. Abolishing the Customs Union and replacing it with EFTA doesn't change anything on an economic level, just a political one: while the customs union is designed for nations that are in the process of joining the EU, the EFTA is designed specifically for nations which are not joining the EU (Switzerland, Norway, et al.) Thus, the proposal to swap the EUTCU with the EFTA merely changes the semantics to better reflect the political reality. Additionally, it relieves Turkey of the obligation to conclude FTAs with third parties as a condition of EU membership. Again, if Turkey does not desire EU membership, it would not (and should not) be bound by these agreements.]]

President Gul smiled, suppressing a grimace and wondering who the hell invited the Cypriot President. When Mr. Christofias finished his self-righteous litany, President Gul replied, though in the interests of keeping things civil so early in the summit kept his comments brief.

"President Christofias, always a pleasure to see you again." A broad smile, chuckles. "Naturally, as part of this summit, the ongoing dispute with Cyprus is of course on the table, and I am happy to discuss any aspect that you wish to discuss with regards to that matter. In the interest of clarity, I would remind you that Turkey does not 'occupy' The Republic of Cyprus, bur rather has a small defensive force stationed temporarily on the island at the request of the Turkish Cypriot Republic as a defensive measure. I would also reiterate that I am not authorized to discuss any outstanding issues regarding the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and would direct you to the Turkish Cypriot government to resolve the matter of reunification."

Gul turned to the rest of the EU delegations, addressing the Cypriot President's comments but directing the answer to the EU as a whole. "On the matter of Turkish defense integration with Europe, the core issue is not a matter of whether or not Europe and Turkey should have integrated defense mechanisms; we already do. Turkey is irrevocably tied to European defense via NATO, and has been since long before the very creation of the European Union. The proposal on the table is in the spirit of not allowing Turkey's application withdrawal to reflect on the broader Turkish-European defense relationship, which exists regardless of the European Union. The Cypriot President claims that Turkey routinely blocks NATO and EU cooperation, and yet our proposal on the table gives the European Union the precise opportunity to engage in EU-NATO cooperation and integration. If the EU's members, such as the Cypriot President, would prefer to veto that opportunity, that is well within their rights, and perhaps such relations are better conducted under the guise of NATO. That is very well, but let us not say that Turkey has blocked EU-NATO defense integration in the future."

[Belgium (Angleter)]

As virtually the rest of Belgian politics was furiously working away towards the abolition of the country come January, Herman van Rompuy was sent to Antalya to operate in the theatre he worked best in- Europe. Devoid of any need to placate the Turkish-descent and 'critics of Islam' (as they euphemistically put it) voter bases, since nobody was really watching or would be sure which government to blame, van Rompuy was given free rein to put forward his, and much of Belgium's, position.

"Like the United Kingdom delegacy, I find it a great sadness that we are meeting not to talk about Turkish accession to the EU, but rather Turkey's non-accession to our European project. We will of course support any Turkish bid to join the European Free Trade Association, but of course that is a matter for EFTA, which is independent of the EU, to deliberate upon. Similarly, I find little trouble in Turkey applying to join the EEA, regardless of its success or lack thereof with EFTA. I am, however, disappointed that Turkey has chosen to abandon the Common External Tariff, and would hope that Turkey reconsider what I would consider a step back for Euro-Turkish solidarity."

"I am perfectly sure that Turkey and the EU can work together and form a common defence structure, and agree to harmonise our foreign policies. However, that is as far as it would go. EU institutions, be they the EEAS or the EDA, are precisely that, EU institutions. As it is not a member of the EU, Turkey can surely not claim representation within EU institutions, least of all the Parliament. If Turkey wants to be in the Parliament, Council, Commission, EEAS, EDA, and a member of the Common Market, then it should abandon its nationalistic self-interest and plan to become a full member of this project."

"The EEA allows a certain degree of pick-and-choose with European solidarity. You get the Internal Market, but you are not represented, and you don't get the CAP or the CFP or the Common External Tariff. If you want to join in on a European initiative, you work with us, not as one of us, and when the budget comes up, EEA states pay for what they get. Turkey's proposals are pick-and-choose on a dangerous scale, and you simply cannot be an EEA state with all its individual perks AND have representation in the European Parliament. Surrendering that representation is the sacrifice a country makes if it does not want to be a full player in our project. It's like giving Canada seats in the US Congress."

"I appreciate that this move is motivated by politics- that some European states will not accept Turkish EU membership- but consider the politics here, Mr. Gul. This, let's call it a "have-your-cake-and-eat-it" plan, shall surely tear at the very fabric of our project. Some of our members have very strong nationalist Eurosceptic movements who would surely capitalise on the revelation that they can now both leave the EU for EFTA and still be represented in the EU Parliament. After all, if Turkey, why not United Kingdom? Why not Sweden? Why not Czech Republic, or Poland? We cannot have that."

"Therefore, I would be happy to see Turkey become, like Norway, a normal EFTA/EEA state. I would like to see them join in with the EU on certain initiatives, and co-operate with us on foreign policy and defence policy, and we can have a permanent mechanism. But any more? No. Not unless Turkey resumes its bid to join our European Union."

[Spain (JCU)]

Spain was one of the few countries that had actively supported Turkey's EU bid for years, something that Prime Minister Rajoy continued to believe in. Despite his conservative background he was still a europeanist, a position for which there was broad support back home.

"Spain echoes that sentiments of our colleagues that we are saddened to see Turkey abandon its accession to the European Union, and hope that it is only temporarily. We realize that it is the fault of a few intransigent members of this body, not your own, that has forced you to take this step in the interests of your nation."

Rajoy glared at the Cypriot president.

"But again, we express our hope that you will reconsider sometime in the near future. I hope that I am not alone in saying this, but from the language coming from some present here at this conference, you wouldn't know it. Rest assured that this does not represent the sentiments of EU nations everywhere or the Union as a whole.

While Spain certainly agrees that resolution of the Cyprus dispute is necessary, to include the eventual withdrawal of Turkish troops from the island, there is no reason to hold up closer cooperation in other areas in the meantime. Turkey's transition to the European Free Trade Association is a relatively noncontroversial one, although like our Belgian friends we are disappointed to see Turkey abandon the Common External Tariff, even if we can understand the reasons why.

As to the inclusion of Turkey into European structures, I see no reason why this too cannot be accomplished. I presume that Turkey does not seek actual voting representation in the European Council and Parliament, but rather something more akin to delegate status--Turkish representatives could have the ability to observe, speak, and vote on procedural matters, for instance, but not on matters of substance.

And if the goal is to more closely align European and Turkish policy-making on key issues, Turkish participation in European executive institutions is more than welcome. Turkey, after all, has an interest in the defense and relations of Europe, and they should be afforded at the very least a voice on the formulation of the Common Foreign and Security Policy, especially considering its unique strategic position.

Which brings me to defense. Ladies and gentlemen, Spain's position on the entire agenda, but especially defense, is this: if we hope for Turkey to one day become part of the European Union, as many of us do, then closer integration of EU and Turkish institutions should be a logical step. If we do not, then we must recognize that Turkey is not just another fringe state on the European periphery, but rather a close ally with which we must establish a special relationship. Bound as many of us are by NATO, Turkey will be fighting right alongside us in any conflict that could conceivably befall that nations assembled here today. This being the case, how does it make any sense not to include Turkey into the EDA? How does it make any sense not to expand Turkey's participation in the EU Battlegroup? By our way of thinking, it doesn't.

One final word on the comments of my German colleague. Turkey's relations with Georgia, a fellow European state and NATO candidate, can hardly be viewed as a liability any more than say Turkey's close relationship with the United States can. While we of course advocate prudent and responsible dealings with that state, especially when it comes to arms sales and defense agreements, implying that Turkey should attempt to worsen its relations with a neighboring state just because we're scared of what another country might think is ridiculous. Europe does not kowtow to every unreasonable whim of the Russian Federation and we are certainly not about to begin now on such a trivial matter as this."

[Sudan (Apollo)]

As Greece:

"The Hellenic Republic would certainly like to solve our ongoing disputes with Turkey. These disputes have been running for 41 years now, ever since the Turkish 'intervention' in Cyprus. We feel that this occupation of 'Northern Cyprus' is illegal, and we do not recognize an independent government over the northern region of Cyprus.

With being said, we do not wish to tie this meeting up with any animosity certain nations may feel towards another in this discussion. Regarding the Turkish wish to have representation in the European Parliament: We do not support this measure.

The European Parliament is the directly elected body of the European Union. It can be considered the government of the European Union. Although its name does suggest that it represents all of Europe, the fact of the matter is that the European Parliament is the legislative body of the European Union. To have any non-EU nation states have representation in the EU Parliament is absurd, it would be along the lines of having Cypriot representation in the Greek Parliament due to our close bilateral ties.

Close foreign relations are one thing. Having representation in another organization, especially given Turkey's apparent opposition to joining the EU as a full member state, is another."

[Turkey (Dax)]

President Gul felt the summit's discussions spinning out of control, into areas he wasn't quite comfortable with and, he felt, were outside the purview of the summit's agenda. In an effort to rein in the negotiations to a more targeted agenda, he sought to alleviate some concerns and, especially, address the Cypriot President.

"To address the President of the 'Republic of Cyprus' first and foremost, and to clarify to the rest of the European delegation our position in regards to Cyprus: The government of Turkey wishes for nothing more than a resolution to the ongoing stalemate on the island of Cyprus. Ankara, under successive governments, have advocated precisely that for many, many years. We supported the UN-backed Annan Plan, as did the Turkish Cypriot community. This plan was rejected by their Greek counterparts. Such was their prerogative to do so. Turkey does not wish to interfere or impose a solution on the island that does not fit with the wishes of the island's populace. Turkey continues, and will continue, to advocate for and fully support the Cypriot Peace Process and fully back any plan put forth that is agreed to by the island's inhabitants.

"However, any discussion of Turkey resolving its issues with Cyprus, or in tying the matter of the Cypriot Peace Process to this summit's agenda, is outside the scope of this discussion and frankly inappropriate without a representative of the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus. Turkey does not speak on behalf of the authorities in North Cyprus, and Turkey cannot negotiate a settlement on their behalf any more than Athens can negotiate on behalf of the authorities on Greek Cyprus. If the Cypriot President wishes to put forth a new agenda to resolve the crisis or discuss the ongoing peace attempts, I urge them to contact the appropriate representatives of the North Cypriot Turkish community, and Turkey will fully back any efforts at mediation, and would be willing to join our Greek neighbors and friends in assisting to that effect. Once again, I am the President of Turkey, not a government official of the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus, and thus any discussions of a peace settlement in regards to Turkish relations with the EU are entirely inappropriate. If the Cypriot President wishes to discuss bilateral Turkish-Cypriot ties, I shall direct him to the Turkish foreign ministry, where I would be happy to have a meeting arranged in a neutral location -- I have seen Geneva in June, and it is lovely.

"With regards to the deployment of Turkish Army troops in North Cyprus, that is a legitimate matter. However, Turkey's position has not changed on that issue since 1974. Turkish troops are stationed in North Cyprus at the request of the Turkish Cypriot community, and they shall remain until that community no longer wishes for them to be there. In order for that to happen, the Turkish Cypriot community must feel secure, safe, and included in the political dialogue. It is clear that they do not, and so the underlying issues will need to be resolved before that can come into being. Furthermore, Turkey flatly refuses to recognize the Greek-administered authorities in Nicosia as the legitimate government of the whole of the island until such a time that a settlement is reached which will reflect the rights and will of the WHOLE island. When such a settlement is reached, Turkey's position will change accordingly. Until then, that is our policy and that it shall remain.

"Lastly on the matter of Cyprus, I find it curious that such issues are weighing disproportionately on our discussions here. Ankara's position on Cyprus has not changed in over three decades, and Europe has never sought to tie this issue to closer Turkish-European relations and associations. Indeed, both Cyprus and Greece have supported Turkey's EU bid in the past. If Europe wishes to change its position on tying the Cypriot Peace Process to EU-Turkish relations, then that is Europe's prerogative, but I ask that Europe be forthcoming and open about its conditions for further relations. Europe made a mistake, in my opinion, in admitting Cyprus into the EU while this conflict stood frozen and while one-third of the island's populace had no say in the matter. Be that as it may, what is done is done and Turkey only wishes to have a clear understanding of Europe's conditions vis-a-vis Turkey regarding Cyprus. If Europe wishes to stonewall EU-Turkish cooperation due to a conflict which Turkey cannot unilaterally resolve, I must say that such a position is disheartening, to put it mildly."

[Turkey (Dax)]

[[Separate post, to keep things orderly.]]

"Moving on, I would like to thank Prime Minister Rajoy for his comments, and trust that they are received keenly. I appreciate the Spanish position and level-headed approach in these discussions. To make clear a few matters:

"I certainly appreciate the sentiments of the Belgian, British, Spanish, and other delegations expressing regret at Turkey's decision to withdraw its application, and trust that I am not hosting you here today in jubilation at the decision, either. It is profoundly disappointing that the situation has come to this, indeed. However, what is done is done, and the best that we can do is sort out what is left to sort out and persevere. I must make clear that Turkey does not rejoice in the decision, but must stress and beg the understanding of the delegations here that the move was one of necessity; Turkey's withdrawal of its application is merely an official reflection of the political reality. While it is regrettable, we all must recognize that it was virtually inevitable. I feel that Ankara as thoroughly stressed that we desire close relations with Europe -- even closer relations than most -- but until the political winds in certain European states change to reflect a more inclusive, welcoming attitude at the prospect of Turkish membership, Ankara shall not reconsider its decision.

"It is important, I feel, also to stress that Ankara does not place blame on European leaders for their positions. While the elephant in the room is clearly the opposition from Vienna, Berlin, Paris, et al, I and the Turkish government recognize that popular will for Turkish membership is very low in Europe. Turkey has learned the virtues of democracy over the years, and for us to expect European leaders to continue supporting Turkish membership against the will of their constituents is untenable, unrealistic, and against the very foundations of the European Union's ideals. Regrettable, yes. Justified, also yes. Turkey holds no ill-will towards any EU country nor the EU as an entity, but merely wishes to settle the outstanding issues that have arisen from what has clearly become 'The Turkish Question'.

"In this regard, I must stress that in proposing the matters for discussion of Turkish participation in EU bodies such as the EU Commission, Council, and Parliament, these proposals are not made in the spirit of attempting to 'force our way in' to EU structures. However, I have called this summit specifically because the members most opposed to Turkish membership -- Germany, France, Austria, Netherlands -- have explicitly espoused the concept of a 'Privileged Partnership' between Turkey and the EU. As far as I am aware, these policies have not abated, and I field these matters merely in the spirit of probing more into what such a vague association status may mean and entail specifically.

"I thank the Spanish premier once again for his clarity of perspective. Turkey does not seek active representation in elected EU bodies, nor the weight of a vote in such organs as the EU Parliament or Council. Such a concept would be absurd. However, if Europe is interested in offering Turkey a 'Privileged Partnership', I urge European leaders to be forthcoming and clear as to what sort of parameters such an association would entail, so we may discuss them and agree to a structure for them. If the European Union, rather, does not intend to offer Turkey anything more than a Free Trade Agreement and an embassy in Brussels, I also urge them to be forthcoming with that, so as to save all of us time. For our part, I have proposals and ideas as to what we all may find agreeable, but I will save them until I am certain that they will not fall on deaf ears.

"Turkey is willing to be more than a neighbor to Europe. My country has been inextricably bound to Europe politically, historically, and militarily for generations. I stand willing to be a partner to Europe on behalf of the great Republic of Turkey. I merely ask that Europe meet the Turkish people half-way and allow us all to move forward together in solidarity and not return to the acrimony of centuries past."

[Spain (JCU)]

"Spain, for one, is quite interesting in hearing Turkey's proposals. Perhaps a greater degree of specificity will force some of my more reticent colleagues to go on record with exactly what objections, if any, they have to closer cooperation with the Turkish Republic."