You asked questions, I found the answers

To tell you the truth, being a Turk, I expected people to say, "Just when things were going so well, everything turned against Turkey." We are not used to things going so smoothly, we expect some thing to turn ugly. This is a habit we cannot get rid off.

On the contrary, I got the impression that everything was going well in Brussels.

These are your questions and their answers.

Question: What is the EU’s general attitude toward Turkey? Is there a general consensus on giving Turkey a date to start membership negotiations?

Answer: No, there is no firm decision yet. All 15 member countries and the commission in Brussels is watching the developments in Turkey with great interest. They take notes, but no one has made up their minds yet. More people each day support giving Turkey a date. We can sense this. In other words, more people think that it is getting harder to say no to Turkey every day. Nowadays, capitals of the EU countries are working overtime. They are calling us to hold bilateral discussions. However, these discussions are at a relatively low level. Leaders are not yet to meet. We are expecting this to happen in June, after the European Parliament elections.

Question: How do they rate Turkey’s efforts? Do we still have deficiencies?

Answer: The Turkish government’s efforts have both surprised and cheered many people. No one expected such a speedy passing of laws. Ankara showed its commitment. That’s why most European capitals think they cannot say no to Turkey, after it has done so much. Now, besides constitutional amendments, only the implementation process remains. They will examine how the passed reforms are being implemented.

Question: If the situation is as you describe it, it is possible to say that Turkey will definitely receive a date to start negotiations in December?

Answer: No. The EU Commission will prepare its last report in October, which will describe the latest state of affairs. The commission cannot paint a black and white picture. The report will be gray. In other words, it leaves some political room to maneuver for member countries. Right now, the commission’s attitude towards Turkey is positive, but still the final decision will be made by the capitals. Additionally, no one should forget that the decision on giving Turkey a date will be made after the EU expands. The decision will be taken at a 25-member EU summit.

Can Cyprus veto Turkey?
Question: Can Greece or Greek Cypriots prevent Turkey receiving a date with their veto right?

Answer: Technically, yes, but if Turkey fulfills the Copenhagen Criteria and if it continues to take steps in Cyprus to find a solution, large countries won’t let them use their veto power. In summary, the ball is in Turkey’s court. The EU won’t play games with Turkey. Turkey has to pass the laws and show that they are being implemented. Major steps taken in resolving the Cyprus problem will also be good.

Question: What should Turkey do in order to avoid this trap?

Answer: Find a solution on Cyprus before May 1 or at least prove to the world that you are committed to finding a solution. Show that you have done everything you can. If you can do that, all the pressure applied will disappear. Cyprus will not be an obstacle to Turkey receiving a date. If you want to increase your credibility, replace Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC) President Rauf Denktas with a new negotiator.

Question: You have always accused the Turkish side of not wanting to resolve the Cyprus issue. Will you do the same thing to Greek Cypriots? Resolution does not depend only on Turkish willingness. Will you put pressure on the Greek side?

Answer: Yes. We will take a more active part in the negotiations as a commission and will put the necessary pressure on the Greek side. However, the problem will result not from our interference, but from the inactivity of member countries. I don’t know how much they will exert pressure. The Cyprus issue has finished for most people, including Mr. Prodi. There is no risk of involving the EU. Turkey is the party that should seek a solution.

Question: What should Turkey do until December?

Answer:

1. Pass the constitutional amendments. Implement the decisions concerning religious minorities and advertize this fact to both Europe and the world.

2. Whatever you do in Cyprus, show that you are sincerely committed to finding a solution.

3. Turkey is being discussed in the Parliaments of EU members. Start an information campaign targeting national and European Parliament.

4. Give special attention to countries like France and Holland, which are yet to make up their minds concerning Turkey’s membership. Make statements which alleviate the fears of these country’s leaders.

5. Ask your military to refrain from making political statements. Every statement they make creates a reaction in European capitals.