Re: Turkey; religious freedom and respect vs politics and human rights in the EU

Posted by Jason Semiramis on November 17, 2002 at 13:55:50:

In Reply to: Turkey; religious freedom and respect vs politics and human rights in the EU posted by Hans Hansen on November 10, 2002 at 06:24:51:

We think that this is probably correct. Religion always gets in the way of politics, and politics gets in the way of all of us!
We look forward to seeing Turkey join the EU. The EU have no concept, however, of the difficulties faced by Turkey - for example, the PKK have never been recognised as a terrorist organisation. Turkey has always tried to keep religion at a personal level; hence, the pressure that certain middle eastern countries apply in their attempt to make Turkey rule by Islam, which it clearly does not want to do. We laugh at comments such as those made by the French gentleman that 'If Turkey joined, it would be the end of the EU' - this merely demonstrates the 'us and them' attitude which, we imagined, Europe would not wish to be associated with, given the importance it attaches to democracy and the rights of the individual.
The EU probably needs Turkey more than Turkey needs the EU, particularly where defence is concerned. We would not place very much confidence in the French defending us in times of war - it would need more than a Luis Vuitton.

Responses:

1. Re: Then respect our religion ISLAM Osman 16:44:42 12/23/02 (0)

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