I am writing in response to a comment by Jonathan Eile, global affairs correspondent for the Straits Times, to reflect a broader picture of the points raised (Federal Power Lessons from Turkey, April 13).
Turkey applied for full membership in the European Union in 1987 and was approved by the European Union in 1999 as a candidate for full membership.
This is a strategic objective of Turkey, which has been clearly emphasized at the highest levels recently.
Over the past 22 years, we have increasingly seen that the access process and related criteria can be misused and that some EU members can advance their goals by pursuing their own national political interests.
It is a major obstacle to Turkey’s accession to the EU.
However, Turkey has always been open to engaging with the EU and has encouraged the EU and its members to act in a more transparent, honest and predictable way.
In this spirit, Turkey continues to work diligently with the leaders of the European Council and the European Commission.
In that context, the head of the European Commission cannot blame Turkey for the situation it is in, and there is nothing to be gained from it.
In preparing for the meeting, the Turkish protocol followed the guidelines issued by colleagues in accordance with established procedures.
Furthermore, this unfortunate and neglected situation cannot be seen as a result of or as a result of difficulties between Turkey and the EU.
Turkey has been a bulwark in the southeastern corner of Europe against various challenges and threats to Europe, especially terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Our full membership of the EU will benefit EU members in many ways. The EU and its members must understand this reality.
To this end, we will encourage our EU colleagues to engage in an all-weather strategic engagement, as first envisioned in our accession process, as a series of efforts to meet mutual obligations.
The area where Turkey is located requires a multi-vector foreign policy.
This does not mean that our full membership in the EU does not replace our membership in NATO.
This also applies to our strategic partnership with the United States.
Turkey has no choice but to acquire S-400 systems to secure its air defenses, due to the unique national positions of our national allies and the lack of satisfaction of our national needs.
In retaliation, Turkey unilaterally canceled Turkey’s role in the F-35 program, and Turkey is determined to work closely with the United States to resolve outstanding bilateral difficulties, despite threats of approval from the United States. And in NATO, as two close and important allies.
Erdon Carib
Advertising Provisional Payment of Matters
Embassy of the Republic of Turkey
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