Opposing Turkey’s EU Bid
Posted by evdomada on January 31, 2008
30 Jan 2008 21:41:00 – By Katerina Ioannidou
Sources: ANA/MPA, AFP
French President Nikolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who met in Paris on Wednesday, firmly opposed Turkey’s accession into the EU yet again. The two EU leaders said that Ankara could only benefit from a “privileged partnership.” Stating he wants to be Turkey’s friend, Sarkozy argued that Turkey has no place in Europe, simply because it extends into Asia Minor. However, he continued, Turkey could benefit from a privileged partnership.
Angela Merker, on her part, also championed a privileged partnership instead of a full EU membership. Touching on the plans for a Mediterranean Union, Merkel said it should give all EU member states the possibility to assume their responsibilities. Germany, however, never concealed its scepticism over the Mediterranean Union, noting that it could trigger divisions within the EU. All states can take part in the Mediterranean Union, commented the French President.
Translated by Areti Christou
