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'Turkey
and the European Union: Shaping a Brighter Future' Honorable Leader of the House of Commons, I wish to underline that the British Presidency has displayed a real leadership in the period before the 3rd of October to make the bonds between the European Union and Turkey even stronger. I would also like to thank the members of the Independent Commission on Turkey and its chairman former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari for their visionary analysis of Turkish-European relations. We know that our accession process will be a long and difficult one. It will need hard work on the part of both Turkey and the European Union. My Government is determined to continue with resolve to consolidate its European vocation. We are proud of having strong backing of our people in our efforts. In this regard, I must particularly mention the vital role of the Turkish Grand National Assembly and the civil society. The communication strategy between the European Union and Turkey will also be an important tool in the coming months and years. We expect more contributions from the EU on this matter. We shall also do our part with utmost care. Throughout this process, both Turkey and the European Union should remain confident to their capabilities. We have full confidence in our capability to adapt. The European Union should also be sure that its choice of Turkey as a prospective member is in its best interest. I have no doubt that certain reservations raised today in the public opinion of some EU countries will disappear in time. I am confident that the support we have received until now will get firmer in the future. In the meantime, the reform process in Turkey will go on unabated. The process of comprehensive political and economic reforms has quite rightly been defined as a "silent revolution". Attaining the highest political, economic and social and judicial standards will continue to constitute one of the highest priorities of my Government. Individual and isolated cases, which have attracted criticism at home and abroad, should not overshadow the remarkable overall progress already achieved. Ladies and Gentlemen, Turkey's economic and social indicators have been improving impressively. The Turkish economy currently ranks as the 17th largest in the world. Our growth rate in 2004 was almost 10% thereby ranking first among the OECD countries. Our trade volume stands at more than 160 billion dollars and half of this figure is with the European Union. In 2004, the level of Foreign Direct Investments in Turkey increased by over 50% in comparison to the previous two years. I have no doubt that the accession process will pave the way for a better economic future both for Turkey and the European Union. Distinguished Guests, Our approach to present regional and global problems derives from one fundamental objective: To generate security, stability, prosperity and harmony in our wider region. Turkey seeks to contribute to the solution of international problems in her region by contributing to international efforts. As particular cases permit, we supplement them with our own concrete initiatives. In critical cases, such as Iraq and the Middle East, Turkey has always acted as an important stabilizing and facilitating factor. We shall continue to do so. We are in the forefront of efforts aiming at political and economic rehabilitation in Iraq. The platform for consultations among Iraq's neighbors was pioneered by my Government. This forum has also been joined by Iraq, the United Nations and the European Union. Regarding the Arab-Israeli conflict, enjoying the confidence of both sides, Turkey is actively working with the parties to contribute in any way it can to its resolution. We are also working for the resolution of frozen conflicts in the South Caucasus. The bilateral and trilateral dialogue processes between the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, Azerbaijan and Armenia can be cited as other concrete examples of our initiatives. My visit this week to Belgrade and Kosovo is another indication of our constructive role in our neighborhood. I continue to believe that, Turkey, Greece and a united Cyprus could form a basin of peace and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean, thus forming a strong pillar of Europe therein. It is regrettable that at this time we still have to talk about the Cyprus issue with negative connotations. It could have been solved last year if the Greek Cypriot leadership had taken a positive step instead of adopting an uncompromising attitude challenging the international community including the European Union. It is now clear that the continuing absence of the comprehensive settlement is a real problem not only for the people of the island, but also for the EU, NATO and the international community as a whole. Turkey will continue to actively contribute to the endeavors of the United Nations to find a just, equitable and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem. I call on all parties to give frank support to the good-offices mission of the Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Cyprus. Turkish Cypriot people have proved to be a democratic and peaceful people
at the European standards. Yet, they are under archaic and inhuman restrictions.
We all expect the European Union to implement its decision of 26 April 2004
lifting these restrictions.
The very speed of change resulting from globalization is a defining feature of the present international system. There is a growing sense of insecurity due to terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, pandemics and environmental degradation. These are sometimes linked to ideological challenges like racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and all kinds of extremism. There are also new challenges to good-governance. This is no time for hesitation or inaction. Europe is a superpower in the making. I am confident that Europe has all capabilities to assume further global responsibilities in the 21 st Century. European Union has already shown strong indications of such a capability through its soft-power. Turkey will be an important asset in making this power more efficient. The political, economic and strategic benefits as well as the cultural depth that Turkish membership will bring into the Union are widely acknowledged by many today. There is no doubt that Turkish membership will provide better ground to the European Union in the fight against challenges of common concern. Turkey has been a good partner in the past. It will be a responsible, creative and energetic member in the future. Surely, you will raise many other issues on the theme of this conference which has a very special venue. It is a pleasure to be back in this magnificent building after its beautiful restoration. I had visited the Pera House with my good friend Jack Straw after the appalling terrorist attack of 20 November 2003. I wish the conference every success. Thank you for your attention. |