Originally Published on 11/25/2002:
Finally, EU decision makers have come to the point of self realization and the moment of truth. So called “European Values” of equality and human rights, which are actually post-War (WW2) American exports to the Continent, do not seem to have a firm grab on EU mentality in practice. So called “Copenhagen Criterias” which were supposed to be precondition to any candidate state’s accession talks are bluntly ignored for some states yet presented as an obstacle against Ankara.
Yet, the weak Turkish stance against EU’s double standard is one of the main reasons Turkey has been treated like a beggar at the door steps of Brussels. It is not clear when if ever, Turkey with its potential voting power of 68 million Muslims will ever be admitted into the EU. A strong and determined government which will no longer compromise to EU is a must to show Turkish determination to force Europeans keep their promise, which was put onto paper in Ankara Agreement of 1963.
Ironically, the way the things look nowadays, EU members neither vision nor leadership quality to create another power house in the world for 21st Century. Perhaps, by realizing their short comings in fairness and bigotry, Europe can avoid another continent wide disaster which caused the Second World War.
First step is to get rid of “socially and politically challenged” leaders like Parodi and Giscard d’Estaing, and replacing them with more visionary counterparts. We think Germans and British have much to work on this issue. (NT 2002)
