Thursday, May 28, 2009

Run-up to Swedish EU presidency: Turkey-EU blame game - the European magazine ~ Cafebabel

"Run-up to Swedish EU presidency: Turkey-EU blame game

Let me be clear: the United States strongly supports Turkey’s bid to become a member of the European Union.’ President Barack Obama, visiting Ankara in April, could not have been clearer – unlike his European counterparts. Since Obama’s speech, both German chancellor Angela Merkel and French president Nicolas Sarkozy have spoken out in preference of a privileged partnership with Turkey, rather than full EU membership. French foreign minister Bernard Kouchner, formerly a supporter, now opposes Turkey’s accession after the fuss they made over appointing Danish premier Anders Fogh Rasmussen as Nato chief in the same month. Indignation in Turkey at this shifting of goalposts then prompted hasty reassurances from the European commission of the EU’s commitments to Turkey."

More:Run-up to Swedish EU presidency: Turkey-EU blame game - the European magazine ~ Cafebabel