"Influential Turkey represents a tremendous opportunity
By Ana Palacio
Published: November 30 2004 02:00 | Last updated: November 30 2004 02:00
From Mrs Ana Palacio.
Sir, Despite his stated aim, Val�ry Giscard d'Estaing ('A better European bridge to Turkey', November 25) fails to bring much reason to the debate over Turkey joining the European Union.
It is time we saw Turkey for what it is: a huge opportunity. From its market potential to its role as an energy transit country; from an EU presence in regions of vital interest to our future (the southern Caucasus, the Middle East) to the proof that mankind is not inevitably doomed to suffer a 'clash of civilisations', Turkish membership will bring economic and strategic benefits to the EU."
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