"Ecevit recalls dramatic events in HS interview
'EU finally rang Turkey's doorbell'
By Kaius Niemi
Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit undoubtedly had the biggest smile of all as the cameras flashed in the faces of leaders of the EU member states and membership applicants in Helsinki on December 11th, 1999.
Ecevit, who stood in the front row of the family portrait, had hardly slept at all the previous night, but no matter: Turkey had just been accepted as a candidate country for EU membership after 36 years of trying. "
More: Helsingin Sanomat - International Edition - Foreign