Right On

[gamavor]

ArmenPress

Aug 16 2004

 

VATICAN STIRS DEBATE ON TURKISH EU MEMBERSHIP

 

VATICAN, AUGUST 16, ARMENPRESS: Negative comments by a

high-ranking Cardinal in Vatican about Turkish membership of the EU

have once more stirred the controversial debate. In an interview last

week with Le Figaro magazine, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger said that

Turkey is "in permanent contrast to Europe" and that linking it to

Europe would be a mistake. To make his point he spoke of the Ottoman

Empire's incursions into the heart of Europe in past centuries.

Cultural riches should not be sacrificed for the sake of economic

riches, the Cardinal is quoted as saying in Turkish media. The

German, who heads the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the

Faith, said that Turkey, which is a predominantly Muslim secular

republic, should seek political union with Arab states and not with

European countries.

He suggests it "could try to set up a cultural continent with

neighboring Arab countries and become the leading figure of a culture

with its own identity".

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan rejected the

Cardinal's comments. "The Vatican is a religious state. We are

speaking to and making evaluations with EU member countries," said Mr

Erdogan, according to Zaman. All of these comments come ahead of some

crucial decision in the EU about Ankara's bid to join the bloc. The

European Commission will publish a report in October on Turkey's

readiness to join. On the basis of this report, EU leaders will make

a decision in December.

But Turkey already has support from some influential countries in the

EU - including the UK and Germany.

 

 

http://groong.usc.edu/news/msg91770.html

[Boghos]

First they´ll admit Birobidzhan, then comes Turkey. In any case as many, many people in Europe say: there are already enough Turks in Europe as it stands.