Ferai Tinc: From PM Erdogan to Europe: Do not Shift!

“Erdogan said that Turkey had done all it should, and the reforms it passed were all like revolutions and that, it was the turn of the European Union now. “There is no reason to make a number of manoeuvres” said the Prime Minister, adding that “We have to be genuine to each other.”

“This stress of the Prime Minister is not in vain. In spite of the call that a positive answer should certainly be given to Turkey on December 17, certain countries are trying to insert the “Special partnership” option to the decision. This issue was allegedly voiced to FM Gul during

the Troika meeting of last week in The Hague.

“...The Turkish government had exercised political leadership and took the necessary reformation steps. Going one step ahead of their public opinion, do not European leaders have to make their people adopt the full membership perspective of Turkey? Is this not a requirement of even the most ordinary partnership, let alone a special one? ..”