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  • ANKARA: Turkish President's EU Adviser Reacts To Latest EU Progress

    TURKISH PRESIDENT'S EU ADVISER REACTS TO LATEST EU PROGRESS REPORT ON TURKEY

    Vatan
    Nov 30 2008
    Turkey

    On 30 November 2008 Istanbul Vatan Online in Turkish publishes a
    3-500 word interview with Damla Gurel, President Abdullah Gul's
    EU adviser and former Republican People's Party, CHP, deputy. In
    the interview entitled "I Do Not Know Why Gul Has Chosen Me" and
    conducted by Sanem Altan, Gurel comments on her duties, her career,
    the recent EU Progress Report, the implementation of the EU reforms,
    and the accession negotiations.

    Noting that she is much honoured to be working with President Gul,
    Gurel also mentions that she has a very professional relationship
    with Hayrunnisa Gul [President Abdullah Gul's spouse]. Gurel also
    refers to her disagreements with CHP Chairman Deniz Baykal.

    Asserting that she disagrees that the latest EU Progress Report
    criticizes the government and praises President Gul, Gurel says:
    "The report has merely stated facts. The economic cooperation in
    the Caucasus for the sake of regional peace as well as the visits to
    Armenia and Azerbaijan have been viewed positively."

    Asked whether a person other than the foreign minister should be
    appointed chief negotiator, Gurel draws attention to the fact that the
    person who will serve as chief negotiator should have communication
    abilities, should be technically equipped, and should be politically
    influential. Given these facts, there is no doubt that Ali Babacan
    is the right person for the job, but there are two basic problems,
    says Gurel, adding: "The ties between Turkey and the EU should no
    longer be viewed as a foreign policy issue. As of now this should be
    viewed as our goal. Secondly, Turkey's foreign policy agenda is very
    busy. It is very broad. It is very difficult and tiresome to be in
    charge of both fields. Therefore I believe that it is appropriate to
    separate these two posts."

    Asserting that the latest Progress Report puts emphasis on the slow
    down in the reforms, Gurel explains that Turkey has recently focused
    on its domestic affairs, while the EU has been trying to resolve its
    problems stemming from expansion. Noting that it is impossible to open
    certain chapters due to certain problems, Gurel explains that Turkey
    should primarily adapt its laws to the EU acquis. The trade law and the
    union law are waiting, Gurel says and adds: "You cannot open chapters
    if the relevant laws are not enacted. You cannot enact these laws at
    one because it is necessary to ensure the agreement of sectors that
    will be affected by the enactment of these laws. It is necessary to
    do this together with the society. The road map is clear. There are
    27 laws that have been or that will be taken to the National Assembly."

    Noting that she does not expect any progress in the reforms due
    to the local elections that will be held in March, Gurel stresses
    if appropriate action is not taken, the EU process may take many
    years. It is true that change also has a price, but we will be able
    to make a leap only by preparing a national programme and by calming
    domestic politics, says Gurel and adds: "If we want, we are able to
    enact laws without any delay. Let us reach tough decisions. We have
    focused on domestic politics. We are a democratic, secular, Muslim, and
    social state. This is not an easy country. I understand the problems,
    but do I accept them? No I do not. Let us put forth our will and our
    demands. We are already at the table and therefore we can do whatever
    we want. We should not be offended by everything. We should ignore what
    the EU says. Do we want certain reforms? This is what really counts."
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