"Washington Report, December 2004, pages 32, 66
Talking Turkey
As EU Decision on Turkey's Application Nears, Both Sides Get the Jitters
By Jon Gorvett
With the clock ticking down fast to the crucial December day when European Union leaders are set to decide whether or not Turkey can start membership talks, there has been little else exercising minds in Ankara and Istanbul lately. Major diplomatic initiatives have been underway to try and sway the doubters in France, Austria and Germany, while the arguments in favor have been aired daily on Turkish TV and in the newspapers.
Nevertheless, many Turks remain convinced that the EU will never admit Muslim Turkey to its affluent "Christian Club." It is a perception based on seemingly sound historical precedent, too, as it is now over 40 years since Turkey began knocking on Europe's door, demanding admission. Each time, however, it has been met with a resounding "non" from within."
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