If our military really wants EU membership…

I know Gen. Hursid Tolon.

He is extremely polite. He is one of those rare people who can sit down and talk with people he doesn’t agree with. He knows who is charged with speaking in the name of the military. He is committed to military discipline and is one of the commanders we are proud to have.

His statement that the Turkish military wants Turkey to become a member of the EU is certainly right.

The military is the very aware that Turkey cannot count on the United States alone concerning its security and knows that it has become almost impossible for Washington to satisfy Turkey’s needs since Sept. 11. They know that Turkey’s long-term interests necessitate the country joining the European defense system while maintaining close relations with the United States.

However, we should admit that some groups have started to question whether all are commanders are showing the necessary sensitivity towards the country’s EU membership.

News leaked to daily Cumhuriyet and a top commander of the military anonymously airing his views to some journalists caused this doubt. It was perceived that there was a rift within the military. People talked about how dangerous this was, both for the armed forces and for the country. These speculations came to such a point that Chief of General Staff Gen. Hilmi Ozkok needed to issue a warning that no one other than him could speak in the name of the military. Some of Gen. Tolon’s statements, some of his political opinions and his having accused individuals having different points of view with treason have created a contradiction. It surprised everyone.

Moreover, the deputy chief of general staff’s press briefing when EU Commission President Romano Prodi was in Turkey — airing his political views, warning that blood might be spilled and saying that these briefings would be held every month — increased the number of questions.

These developments have led some to say: "The military doesn’t want to leave policymaking to civilians. Just like in the past, it wants its voice heard and as a result states its views openly."

The press briefing by the Office of the Chief of General Staff was actually aimed at dismissing reports appearing in the media that the military was uncomfortable with the government policy on Cyprus. In other words, it wanted to correct a false report and say that the opinions leaked to daily Cumhuriyet were not true. It wanted to send the message that on Iraq and Cyprus the government and the military were united. However, anti-Turkish groups overseas immediately used to their advantage the fact that the military had made statements concerning security and defense but also had aired its political views. The perception that the military continued to dominate the country was a negative point for us.

It is natural for the government to ask for advice from the military; however, the country is at a very sensitive juncture concerning Iraq, Cyprus and the EU. We should refrain from giving a negative impression and should be sensitive and perceptive. In summary, wouldn’t it be better to leave the talking to civilian officials?

We should not forget that not getting a date to start membership negotiations will create considerable trouble in the country.

Missing out on the May 1 deadline on Cyprus would cost us a lot.

In conclusion, it would not be right to say that you are for EU membership on the one hand while behaving in ways that violate all the principles of the union on the other. In democracies, having different point of views cannot be described as treason. The military should learn to speak with one voice and stop seeing itself as above everything. Those who want the EU would act that way.

**** CHP cannot betray itself

The opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) is beginning a crucial period. The decision taken by the CHP will set the standard for how it perceives the world and Turkey. We will find out where it wants to take Turkey in the future.

The problem lies with the amendments that have to be made in the Constitution in order to complete the EU harmonization reforms.

In order to comply with some of the Copenhagen criteria, passing new laws is sufficient; however, in order to implement the others, the Constitution has to be amended. The government currently has a package that aims to change 12 articles of the Constitution. All are concerned with complying with the Copenhagen criteria. None of them can be of any use to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) or carry any unusual matter that might be part of the AK Party’s "hidden agenda," like some people claim.

Among the amendments is the Office of the Chief of General Staff participating in the election of Higher Education Board (YOK) members, the replacement of State Security Courts (DGMs) with courts with areas of expertise, the banning of already abolished capital punishment and coordination with the international criminal court. Moreover, the CHP has no objections to these amendments.

Constitutional amendments are crucial with respect to harmonization with EU laws. In other words, these changes are the most fundamental prerequisites for Turkey getting a date to start membership negotiations on Dec. 12.

But these changes are not being made.

The reason is that the government wants the CHP be involved in this amendment package. The AK Party wants this package to be seen as a joint effort with the CHP instead of being an AK Party policy.

The CHP wants the AK Party to approve the bill limiting parliamentary immunity in exchange for CHP support on the amendment bill. The AK Party views these two bills as completely separate and refuses to bargain. It wants the immunity bill to be passed after the justice reforms are implemented.

The political squabbling has lasted months, while everyone is waiting for these amendments to pass.

Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, who was on CNN Turk’s Manset program on yesterday, said that the AK Party had changed its stance and that they would present the amendment bill to Parliament and let the CHP decide what to do.

I wonder if the CHP will adopt a negative stance vis-a-via the bill just to get a few more votes.

*** CHP cannot stop EU membership for political reasons

I don’t believe that the CHP will dig its own grave.

The CHP was established by Ataturk, and its aim was to carry the country towards the West. That’s why, for years, we voted for them.

The CHP should be carrying the EU banner and accuse the AK Party of not implementing the reforms fast enough.

The CHP has always shown its support for the EU, both by voting for EU packages in Parliament and in the media. Now, at this critical point, it cannot take a step that would mean a rejection of itself. It cannot close down Turkey’s road to the EU, just as a part of party politics.

We expect the CHP to rethink its strategy on this matter.