What kind of a situation are we going to encounter on Dec. 17?

In my opinion, the countries supporting Turkey’s bid are observing and evaluating the situation more positively than others evaluate. It can be seen that the opponent countries are viewing the issue from a limited perspective and regarding history as if it is composed of only European history.

I am in favor of Turkey’s full membership to the EU but waiting in front of the EU door for 40 years bothers me.
Although I am regarding Dec. 17 as very important, I am not in favor of over exaggerating the situation. Let us go about our business and accelerate the development of our country. Think about the recent speech of the Japanese strategist Dr. Kenichi Ohmae in Istanbul, in which he says, “Turkey should not enter the EU, entering the EU means to be integrated within a union facing an era of stagnation.” I think there is a lot of truth in the context of this speech. Indeed, the EU is facing important difficulties within itself. Though it is obviously in our interest politically and economically to join the EU, it is not clear as to whether it is in our interest to experience an open-ended negotiation process and a possible decision that will leave us deprived of some possibilities.
Well, the road to the EU is long and narrow and the way we travel this road should be very well assessed.
Turkey should be very well directed in her decision to continue on the EU path. We should understand that the reforms implemented so far are in our interest and we should accelerate the implementation process

The Turkish government sees it necessary to put the structural reforms into practice and to achieve economic stability. This is another benefit of the EU process for Turkey. These structural reforms are also important for our relations with the EU.
The condition of recognizing southern Cyprus, which was raised recently, cannot be overlooked. Unfortunately, Turkey has not been able to explain to the world that she has a certain strategy concerning the Cyprus issue. Turkey can never be held responsible for what happened in Cyprus. It was not the Turks who voted “no” at the twin referenda held. Promises given by the United Nations, European Union, the United States and some European countries can be recalled easily.
At least, Turkey should be granted full EU membership. We should not forget that starting open-ended negotiations contradicts our national interests and the cards we have should be played wisely.
Our strategic relationship with the United States should be improved. An open-ended negotiation process, which promises no guarantee of membership, contradicts our national interest. We should not forget Dr. Ohmae’s words. “We have to evaluate what the EU is going to encounter in the next 10-15 years.”