December 02, 2006
Who is to blame?
Bronwen Maddox in Blame game is a dangerous one to play
Who is most to blame for the sudden deadlock between Turkey and the European Union? Turkey, by a small margin, if you have to make that call, in that it has not complied with its promise to the EU to open its ports. It knew it had a year or so to do it, and it did nothing. That was reflected in the severity of the European Commission’s verdict yesterday.....
Well, the scene is confusing: Belgium says Turkey should be given 'honest chance' to continue membership talks and French pol wants Turkey-EU talks halted. But this is certain as Cengiz Çandar says: My observation from Helsinki: Turkey's accession road to the EU is mined Thus Paul Taylor says Strategy and politics collide in EU Turkey battle Finally, the PINR brief: ''Intelligence Brief: Turkey and its Succession to the E.U.''
As the Pope was leaving town he has wrapped up his trip to Turkey by saying Mass in a Catholic cathedral in Istanbul, and issuing a plea for freedom of religion in Turkey. BBC online discussion on What impact will the Pope’s Turkey visit have? continues. Metin says the Pope showed a Gesture of Conciliation but Spero News argues Pope did not change stance on Turkey and EU. In fact there seems to be mixed messages: "On his first day in Turkey, the pope seemingly supported Turkey's European Union aspirations. On Thursday, though, he emphasized Europe's Christian heritage. So which is it?" says Spiegel. For the older Economist take on The pope's tour of Turkey that stirred up plenty of controversies. John Hooper concludes as Praise and fears as Pope ends Turkish visit and Richard Owen and Suna Erdem say Turks warm to model of tolerance and finally learn to love the Pope
Stephen F. Szabo in A Perfect Storm: Turkey and the West says:
The events of this week have created a perfect storm in Turkey’s relationship with the European Union. The combination of the Pope’s visit to Turkey with the EU Commission’s decision to slow negotiations over Turkey’s membership talks carries the risk of a serious break in Turkey’s relationship with the West....
Yalcin Doğan in A view from Madrid: thoughts on Turkey and the EU
Illustrated by Cem Kiziltug, Sibel Sonmaz wrote “To Europe with Lokum.” Lokum is expected to be a useful tool in helping Turkish kids learn about and understand the European Union. This illustrated book is a work from the Delegation of the European Union to Turkey. The story of the European Union will begin with “once upon a time.” Students of Grade 2, 3, 4 and 5 will be able to obtain a copy of the book. Via
Posted to Commentaries | Cyprus | EU Summits/Reports | Field notes | Pope/Pope's Speech