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Europe loses its sympathy toward AKP
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Recently I met Ria Oomen-Ruijten, rapporteur of the European Parliament. As usual, she came to finish the annual report and the draft resolution based on this report. Ria is a parliamentarian who is extremely impartial, believes in the full membership of Turkey and wants the report to be realistic. Those who remember last year’s report will acknowledge my comments.
The draft resolution regarding Turkey will in the weeks ahead be put to a vote in the general assembly of the European Parliament. If put together with the EU commission report, a balance sheet for 2008 and expectations for 2009 will come out. Ria reflects those doubts and concerns that I have heard in various capitals. She also shared her concerns with me. Her foremost concern was that the AKP was insensitive to reforms.
The same questions are asked over and over: "Why did the AKP stop?"
At times the question, "Did the AKP give up carrying Turkey into full membership?" is added. We should expect these kinds of questions to increase within the next few months. There is always the same assessment in the draft resolution that will be discussed, changes made if necessary and voted for in the European Parliament. It is accentuated that both the political parties and the society increasingly became polarized, separation deepened and as a result the reform process came to a halt. In summary, I’d say that Europe started to lose its former sympathy toward the AKP. Of course, within this development the separation of the AKP from the liberals plays an immense role.
Big applause in foreign politics
Steps taken in foreign politics are the most affirmative part in the draft resolution prepared by Ria. Peace attempts in the Middle East, contributions to dialogues between Israel and Palestine, the facilitation of debate between Syria and Israel, encouragement of dialogue between Iran and the West and of course President Gül’s visit to Armenia É It is becoming more obvious that from Turkey, there is more to gain for Europe. The European Parliament’s, at some time much bothering, attitude toward the DTP and PKK is progressively changing. Maybe there are still some who support the PKK and perceive them as "warriors of freedom," but the majority takes Ankara’s side.
Ria’s attitude is that way. For example, it is requested that the DTP keeps its distance from the terror organization PKK and this is embedded in the draft resolutions. Turkey’s battle against terrorism is supported. And in my view, what’s more important is that the PKK is asked to "immediately, unconditionally announce and practice a cease fire."
One other important sign from the European Parliament is its devotion to the administration of Iraq and especially Northern Iraq. It is requested that the Northern Iraq administration does not allow PKK attacks to arise from its territory. From Turkey it is requested that they extend dialogue with Barzani’s administration, take precautions in order not to harm civilians during air operations and to respect human rights. If we were to look at the big picture, the general attitude of the European Parliament is in favor of Turkey in some respects, but as for what to expect in 2009 it is full of doubt and concern.
For observers in Turkey, as well for those following relations in Europe, we are facing local elections. Relations between Turkey and the EU after the elections will become either more active or more difficult by the end of 2009. Turkey’s full membership project will altogether be shelved. This is why I see the AKP’s postponement of reforms as the last of reasons for local elections. If the AKP afterward still swings the lead it means this party has given up on the EU.
Obama cabinet gives hope, but..
The cabinet has been announced. Hillary Clinton being appointed as the secretary of state is in respect to us an extremely beneficial development. She is one of those who sympathizes and knows Turkey and its role in the region the best. The other important name is James Jones.
He is the former chief of NATO forces. His current duty (National Security Council) is heavily focused on Turkey. Being good friends with the General Chief of Staff General Başbuğ will ease the dialogue with transatlantic relations. Gates staying at the defense ministry and the appointment of Timothy Geithner to head of economics are advantageous for Ankara. But let’s not forget one point which is that Obama will be a totally different president.
Foremost the Armenian problem; we should not believe that Ankara’s every wish will come true. Obama is a man full of surprises. For that reason Ankara needs to calculate very well and produce different politics.
The same questions are asked over and over: "Why did the AKP stop?"
At times the question, "Did the AKP give up carrying Turkey into full membership?" is added. We should expect these kinds of questions to increase within the next few months. There is always the same assessment in the draft resolution that will be discussed, changes made if necessary and voted for in the European Parliament. It is accentuated that both the political parties and the society increasingly became polarized, separation deepened and as a result the reform process came to a halt. In summary, I’d say that Europe started to lose its former sympathy toward the AKP. Of course, within this development the separation of the AKP from the liberals plays an immense role.
Big applause in foreign politics
Steps taken in foreign politics are the most affirmative part in the draft resolution prepared by Ria. Peace attempts in the Middle East, contributions to dialogues between Israel and Palestine, the facilitation of debate between Syria and Israel, encouragement of dialogue between Iran and the West and of course President Gül’s visit to Armenia É It is becoming more obvious that from Turkey, there is more to gain for Europe. The European Parliament’s, at some time much bothering, attitude toward the DTP and PKK is progressively changing. Maybe there are still some who support the PKK and perceive them as "warriors of freedom," but the majority takes Ankara’s side.
Ria’s attitude is that way. For example, it is requested that the DTP keeps its distance from the terror organization PKK and this is embedded in the draft resolutions. Turkey’s battle against terrorism is supported. And in my view, what’s more important is that the PKK is asked to "immediately, unconditionally announce and practice a cease fire."
One other important sign from the European Parliament is its devotion to the administration of Iraq and especially Northern Iraq. It is requested that the Northern Iraq administration does not allow PKK attacks to arise from its territory. From Turkey it is requested that they extend dialogue with Barzani’s administration, take precautions in order not to harm civilians during air operations and to respect human rights. If we were to look at the big picture, the general attitude of the European Parliament is in favor of Turkey in some respects, but as for what to expect in 2009 it is full of doubt and concern.
For observers in Turkey, as well for those following relations in Europe, we are facing local elections. Relations between Turkey and the EU after the elections will become either more active or more difficult by the end of 2009. Turkey’s full membership project will altogether be shelved. This is why I see the AKP’s postponement of reforms as the last of reasons for local elections. If the AKP afterward still swings the lead it means this party has given up on the EU.
Obama cabinet gives hope, but..
The cabinet has been announced. Hillary Clinton being appointed as the secretary of state is in respect to us an extremely beneficial development. She is one of those who sympathizes and knows Turkey and its role in the region the best. The other important name is James Jones.
He is the former chief of NATO forces. His current duty (National Security Council) is heavily focused on Turkey. Being good friends with the General Chief of Staff General Başbuğ will ease the dialogue with transatlantic relations. Gates staying at the defense ministry and the appointment of Timothy Geithner to head of economics are advantageous for Ankara. But let’s not forget one point which is that Obama will be a totally different president.
Foremost the Armenian problem; we should not believe that Ankara’s every wish will come true. Obama is a man full of surprises. For that reason Ankara needs to calculate very well and produce different politics.
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