Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2003-06-04-Speech-3-161"
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"en.20030604.4.3-161"2
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"Mr President, I should like to take advantage of the debate on Mr Oostlander's exceptional report on the accession of Turkey to the European Union to state once again that I remain a firm supporter of its accession. This position on my part is based on the following reasons:
First, as a Greek I should like this neighbouring country of Greece's to grow and develop the creative ability of its people within the democratic frameworks which the European Union safeguards all its members. I believe that the Greek people and the Turkish people will have a unique opportunity to cooperate in the joint effort for a peaceful and prosperous Europe and mutually supportive, deeper bilateral relations between them.
Secondly, as a socialist, I should like to see a democratic Turkey safeguard institutional guarantees for all the freedoms of its citizens so that they can intervene creatively and unimpeded in the development of their society in accordance with the desires, expectations, inspirations and output of their work. I believe that the economic and cultural development of Turkey as the consequence of the freedom of action of its citizens under the rule of law will have exponential benefits for Turkey itself to start with, for the European Union certainly and, without any shadow of a doubt, for rapprochement, understanding and cooperation on the part of the countries and peoples neighbouring Turkey.
Thirdly, there is a personal reason why I champion the accession of Turkey to the European Union. I am convinced that the interventions of the military in the political life of a country, either directly or indirectly, do not solve any problems. On the contrary, they cause problems and impasses to accumulate in their country. I have no particular regard for or trust in nation-saving soldiers the world over, who see any free expression or action as a military target to be neutralised using every means, not excluding, of course, bans, imprisonment, torture and natural extermination. Turkey's European prospects therefore depend on the soldiers returning to their barracks and being supervised by the political leadership democratically elected by the people to govern them. Thirty years ago, when a military junta took it upon itself to bring the Greek people to their senses from the excesses of their democratic excitement, the EEC, as it was then, froze the association agreement with Greece and that helped us considerably in restoring democratic normalcy to my country. The personal reason I referred to earlier has to do with the fights and experiences of that era.
This is an opportunity for the Turkish people to enjoy a smooth transition, without sacrifice and tragic consequences, to a fully operational parliamentary democracy, a democracy with all its accompanying parameters. The European challenge, therefore, also serves Turkey's democratic prospects. Turkey must interpret this challenge as a unique opportunity on its course towards Europe. It is in its hands, its political leadership wants it and the Oostlander report lays down the preconditions for avoiding misunderstandings."@en1
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