The Axis Of The Mediterranean

According to the sources in Ankara, our government is planning to suggest to Italy that the axis of the Mediterranean might be made the new center of the EU. Ankara is to ask Berlusconi to consider a project under which Italy, Spain, Greece and Turkey might lead the EU, effectively shifting its center to the axis of the Mediterranean. Our government believes that if the EU’s Eastern European soon-to-be-members contribute to this project as well, these countries standing united can establish an effective center of leadership. Such an approach should not be considered an attempt to establish an alternative formation within the EU but rather an effort to enrich Union’s perspective. Ankara believes that both Italy and Greece would favor this approach.

Erdogan will also convey a message to Berlusconi that the EU should not be a mono-cultural organization but rather a multicultural body, one which respects all religions and ethnicities. According to Erdogan, the EU should present itself as a multicultural, multi-ethnic and multi-faith organization based on an integrated community of diverse political and social values. Likewise, Erdogan is also expected to remind Berlusconi that Istanbul is one of Europe’s most important cultural centers, just like his own country’s capital Rome.

During Italy’s term presidency, Turkey expects the opportunity to take concrete steps on its path towards EU membership. Our government is determined to continue preparing new reform packages aimed at improving democracy. Believing that Turkey has to take but a few more steps to fulfill the EU’s Copenhagen criteria, the Erdogan government is planning to put a sixth reform package into force by the end of June. This package will include amendments to certain important issues such as the Anti-terrorism Law and regulations on the establishment of religious foundations.

In addition, Erdogan is also expected to ask Berlusconi to contribute to the Cyprus peace process. Ankara hopes that if the communities on the island take significant steps towards a permanent settlement, Turkey will then be able to improve its relations with the EU. In brief, Ankara is preparing to launch new initiatives on the issues of both the EU and Cyprus this summer.