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ANKARA: Conference On Turkey - E.U. - U.S.A.

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  • ANKARA: Conference On Turkey - E.U. - U.S.A.

    Anadolu Agency, Turkey
    Jan 29 2005

    Conference On Turkey - E.U. - U.S.A.

    Anadolu Agency: 1/29/2005
    WASHINGTON, D.C. (AA) - European Union Commission Washington, D.C.
    Representative Jonathan Davidson has stated that the EU is firmly
    determined to find avenues that will lead to the resolution of the
    Cyprus problem.
    The American-Turkish Council (ATC) and Atlantic Council
    organized a conference, titled ''Turkey's Acceptance into the EU: The
    Impact on the USA relations with Turkey and EU,'' in an office of the
    American Senate yesterday.
    In a speech delivered, Davidson said that a new step must be
    taken in Cyprus for a solution. ''We expect an increase in the number
    of efforts made to find a solution. We also expect the UN to re-start
    the meetings after the April elections in Northern Cyprus,'' told
    Davidson. Davidson indicated that the issues of Cyprus and Armenians
    are not a part of the upcoming negotiations.
    Asked to evaluate the Turkish Land Forces Commander General
    Yasar Buyukanit's recent comments that ''not a single Turkish soldier
    will be pulled out of Cyprus prior to a lasting agreement,'' Davidson
    did not provide a direct answer. However, Davidson noted that this
    situation shows once again how important it is to have a
    comprehensive solution in Cyprus.
    Davidson remarked that Turkey, to a large extent, has fulfilled
    its requirements under the Copenhagen criteria. ''Turkish-American
    ties will not be (negatively) affected by Turkey's full membership in
    the EU. Turkey's membership in the EU will benefit American
    interests,'' commented Davidson.
    Turkish General Secretary for EU Affairs Murat Sungar stated
    that certain circles look at Turkey as a ''Trojan Horse'' of Islam in
    Europe and some others view Turkey as a ''Trojan Horse'' of the west
    in an Islamic world. ''None of these assumptions are valid. Such
    theories are unacceptable,'' said Sungar.
    In a brief speech, U.S. Department of State Europe Desk Director
    Scott Marciel has indicated that the EU membership process have
    helped the realization of reforms in Turkey. ''Turkey's journey
    towards full membership in the EU will be difficult, but at the same
    time healthy,'' remarked Marciel. Marciel added that Turkey does not
    necessarily have to make a selection decision between the EU and
    U.S.. ''The U.S. has always been supportive of Turkish membership in
    the EU. Turkey's membership is not only important for Turkey, but for
    the whole region as well,'' expressed Marciel.
    Marciel further stressed that the Europeans criticize the U.S.
    for meddling in EU business and supporting Turkey's bid to join the
    EU. ''We do not want special privileges and treatment for Turkey.
    Surely, Turkey must meet the requirements of the EU. However, once
    Turkey fulfills the EU requirements, it must be admitted into the
    union,'' noted Marciel.
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