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REP. JOSEPH KNOLLENBERG ISSUES STATEMENT REGARDING TURKEY'S POTENTIAL EUROPEAN UNION MEMBERSHIP
ArmRadio.am
08.12.2006 10:52
Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Co-Chair Joseph Knollenberg
(R-MI) issued a statement for the House of Representatives record
calling on Turkey to demonstrate a willingness to implement changes
in its policy, specifically improving its relations with Armenia. In
his statement, Knollenberg urged Turkey to honor its commitments,
noting that the European Union (EU) has repeatedly asked Turkey to
remove its blockade of Armenia, as well as pushed for normalization
between the countries. Turkey, however, continues to ignore these
requests by the EU.
Representative Joseph Knollenberg's (R-MI) said in part: "I rise
today to encourage Turkey to honor their commitments and implement
important economic, regional, and political advancements in order to
gain membership into the European Union (EU).
It is a well-known fact that the regional policies of Turkey
causes strain in the South Caucasus region and unfairly harms the
welfare of their neighbor country, Armenia. The European Union has
repeatedly called for the Turkish Blockade of Armenia to cease as
well as normalization of relations between the countries. These
two pre-conditions to entering the EU have been blatantly ignored by
Turkey. The blockade, now in its thirteenth year, is the only blockade
of a fellow Council of Europe state, and is simply unacceptable. I
implore the EU to stand firm in their recommendations to Turkey in
order to ensure these unfair economic practices are eliminated.
Armenia is a friend of the United States; they are a friend to many
countries throughout the world. Yet, Turkey refuses to see the good
Armenia brings to the South Caucasus region. This refusal has lead
to fierce tension within the region, as well as unjust economic
outcomes that only harm Armenia. Before Turkey can become a member
of the European Union, they must first acknowledge their mistakes,
foster cooperation in the South Caucasus region, and respect their
neighbor, Armenia"
Mr. Knollenberg called on the European Parliament to consider the
ramifications of Turkey's actions before granting them membership
to the EU. "The purpose of the EU is to create cooperation between
nations with similar interests.
Turkey, with a history of bullying nations does not belong in this
membership until they change their ways," he said.
ArmRadio.am
08.12.2006 10:52
Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Co-Chair Joseph Knollenberg
(R-MI) issued a statement for the House of Representatives record
calling on Turkey to demonstrate a willingness to implement changes
in its policy, specifically improving its relations with Armenia. In
his statement, Knollenberg urged Turkey to honor its commitments,
noting that the European Union (EU) has repeatedly asked Turkey to
remove its blockade of Armenia, as well as pushed for normalization
between the countries. Turkey, however, continues to ignore these
requests by the EU.
Representative Joseph Knollenberg's (R-MI) said in part: "I rise
today to encourage Turkey to honor their commitments and implement
important economic, regional, and political advancements in order to
gain membership into the European Union (EU).
It is a well-known fact that the regional policies of Turkey
causes strain in the South Caucasus region and unfairly harms the
welfare of their neighbor country, Armenia. The European Union has
repeatedly called for the Turkish Blockade of Armenia to cease as
well as normalization of relations between the countries. These
two pre-conditions to entering the EU have been blatantly ignored by
Turkey. The blockade, now in its thirteenth year, is the only blockade
of a fellow Council of Europe state, and is simply unacceptable. I
implore the EU to stand firm in their recommendations to Turkey in
order to ensure these unfair economic practices are eliminated.
Armenia is a friend of the United States; they are a friend to many
countries throughout the world. Yet, Turkey refuses to see the good
Armenia brings to the South Caucasus region. This refusal has lead
to fierce tension within the region, as well as unjust economic
outcomes that only harm Armenia. Before Turkey can become a member
of the European Union, they must first acknowledge their mistakes,
foster cooperation in the South Caucasus region, and respect their
neighbor, Armenia"
Mr. Knollenberg called on the European Parliament to consider the
ramifications of Turkey's actions before granting them membership
to the EU. "The purpose of the EU is to create cooperation between
nations with similar interests.
Turkey, with a history of bullying nations does not belong in this
membership until they change their ways," he said.