Europe views AKP differently and waits

One point that drew our attention during our meetings was the perception of the Justice and Development Party, or AKP. I remember the period between 2003 and 2004 when the AKP used to be held in high esteem. It was perceived as a godsend and much supported. Erdoğan’s every word was listened to carefully and had broad repercussions. Even more importantly, his every word was believed, and not questioned. The AKP was thought of as a step into a new age.

Important changes have taken place since then. Especially in 2008, the party’s image was damaged. Religion was given prominence and the impression arose that Turkey’s secular system was about to change. The party in power and its leader hit bottom.

This time, I noticed that the AKP’s situation was a bit better compared to last year, but still not like it was in 2003 and 2004. There are still suspicion and concerns. More importantly, people no longer believe Erdoğan will keep his promises.

Since promises regarding the European Union remain in the air, people hesitate to believe him before seeing concrete steps. The excitement about Erdoğan and Gül’s visit to Brussels in the new year, and about the appointment of Egemen Bağış as head negotiator, dispersed when no follow-up took place. Nobody wants to hear nonsense anymore. Opposition interference, internal political conditions or justifications for Merkel and Sarkozy’s statements are no good either.

All eyes are turned to Erdoğan.

People wonder when he will take action as the sole selector.

Let me tell the truth: As long as Ankara does not take action, Europe will pretend to complain, but will instead be very pleased, for it serves their purpose.

As long as Turkey is delayed, the more France and Germany are at ease. You see, we are shooting ourselves in the foot.

Some people, including me, are in search of something.

In negotiations between Turkey and the EU, the Cyprus issue is at a deadlock.

Remember, as long as Turkey does not open its ports to Cypriot ships, the eight chapters will be pending. That’s not all. As long as ports are closed, negotiations between Turkey and the EU will be put on hold. No matter which angle you look at it from, as long as there is no progress on the Cyprus issue, it is hard to achieve progress in negotiations.

Either there will be a solution on the island, which seems very difficult, or Turkey will open its ports, which also seems to be an impossible option in view of the politics.

So what will happen? Will we look at each other and wait for a miracle? Or can we overcome this obstacle by providing development in other areas instead of Cyprus? This is the much-debated subject for which we are looking for a solution.

Many people have the Halki Theological Seminary in mind.

If the seminary on Heybeliada is reopened, will the European Union give up on the condition of Turkey having to open its ports to Cypriot ships and give a green light for negotiation over the eight chapters? Can we thus get rid of the frustration in relations? Can we accelerate negotiations?

During my visit to Brussels and Berlin, I asked this question to everyone who was authorized in relations between Turkey and the European Union.

I asked Olli RehnÉ I asked Sweden’s undersecretary of the foreign ministryÉ I asked SteinmeierÉ I asked those who lead negotiations in the name of Turkey.

I almost always received the same response. I could outline it as follows:

"The opening of the seminary is inevitable. Turkey cannot leave the seminary on hold as it does now. But the opening of the seminary does not replace a solution to the Cyprus issue or the opening of Turkish ports to Cypriot ships. It won’t provide for a continuation of negotiations over the eight chapters. The opening of the seminary would change the Turkish image a lot, it would be a boost for which Turkey would receive much applause, and that would decrease pressure on Turkey, but would not provide for the eight chapters."

This is directed toward those who are involved in this discussionÉ

Let’s solve the seminary issue, but Cyprus is much more important.

As long as ports are not opened for Cypriot ships, negotiations regarding the eight topics will not start. I believe that the difference in opinion between Erdal Şafak and I stems from this.