"Forum: Turkey belongs in Europe
By opening negotiations on membership with Turkey, the European Union (EU) has shown itself dynamic, purposeful and self-confident. This step underlines the EU's ambition to cement freedom, stability and prosperity in Europe. At the same time, we send a message around the world: the European Union is sustained by shared values, principles and interests, not by exclusion on religious or cultural grounds. "
More:Forum: Turkey belongs in Europe - The Washington Times: Commentary - December 26, 2004