Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2011-03-09-Speech-3-317-000"
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"en.20110309.19.3-317-000"2
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"Today, when with bated breath and hope, we observe the revolutions that have overwhelmed some of the Arab countries, my conviction that Turkey’s membership of the European Union is a geopolitically strategic necessity simply becomes stronger. Turkey is a democratic Islamic state, which can serve as an inspiring example to other Arab countries that wish to establish a democratic system of government founded on the rule of law and respect for human rights, while preserving their religious values. It worries me that we are sending the wrong signal to the citizens of Turkey and reinforcing the influence of anti-European and Islamic fundamentalist forces. We must recognise that by so doing, we are also doing a service to those who do not wish to see the European Union as the most important player on the world stage. We must face up to the truth and admit that Europe cannot currently compete in terms of economic development with such countries as China, India and Brazil. Admitting Turkey to our Union would make us larger and economically more powerful.
We must also recognise Turkey’s stabilising geopolitical significance. From the experience of Latvia, I know that adhesion negotiations are an important instrument for encouraging reform, which is why it is important for the EU to open negotiations on new chapters with Turkey. Turkey’s wish to commence negotiations with the EU on the introduction of a visa-free regime is justified. Turkey’s government has made significant strides, which is why I should like to emphasise that criticism in EU reports on Turkey’s progress should be commensurate with an objective assessment of the country’s achievements."@en1
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