How Will We Be Ready For EU?

However the AKP doesn’t want to learn from its weak points. Some issues like the discussions centering around the Board of Higher Education began with resistance and ended in acquiescence.

We also have to face up to the following facts: Even if we’re ready in other areas, we’re not yet ready for the EU mentally speaking. The adultery debate showed this to the whole world. Now the EU will harbor permanent doubts about the AKP: ‘What if the AKP pulls another surprise?’ We will continue our way, such issues notwithstanding. The EU needs us as an ‘antidote’ to Islamic resistance, and we need it to take our place in the 21st century. Therefore, even if we’re not ready mentally, there are still some who want us in the EU politically as long as we meet its requirements.

What should the AKP do under these conditions? There should be an immediate Cabinet reshuffle. There are ministers there now who would resist the changes during the coming process. A ministry for EU affairs should be established, and I think Mehmet Aydin could head it. A committee should also be established to deal with the accession talks. This committee should be a joint body of the ruling and opposition parties and should establish advisory commissions. The government has to establish a model which includes every level of society.

We either enter the EU united, or we will all be left outside. Turkey’s EU membership is an issue upon which all the people of Turkey agree. The government has to develop a model in which it coordinates action that calls on all levels of society to take an active role. I’m asking AKP deputies to devote more thought to this issue than to any other.”