Bush, ignoring Chirac, pushes for Turkey's EU membership

[floda]

ISTANBUL (AFP) - US President George W. Bush (news - web sites) repeated a call for the European Union (news - web sites) to admit Turkey, ignoring criticism by France that he was interfering in EU affairs.


But Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan brushed aside suggestions that a spat between Bush and French President Jacques Chirac had marred a two-day NATO (news - web sites) summit here, saying "it should not be cause of discomfort."


"America believes that as a European power, Turkey belongs in the European Union," Bush said in a speech to students at Istanbul's Galatasaray University as he wrapped up his maiden visit to this NATO ally.


"Your membership would also be a crucial advance in relations between the Muslim world and the West, because you are part of both. Including Turkey in the EU would prove that Europe is not the exclusive club of a single religion."

wtf:

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1512&u=/afp/20040629/wl_afp/nato_summit_turkey_bush&printer=1

[havocmom]

1. OK, can I be the one to explain to the shrub that he does NOT hold a seat

on the membership committee of that particular club? Please?
Puleeeze?

[Kellanved]

2. argh

Can't the man keep his mouth shut once in a while?
This is really a touchy issue and his comment has helped no one. Least of all Turkey. With the appointment of pro-war conservative Barroso it looked like the EU was ready to forget about everything, and now this.

No way the conservatives will allow Turkey into the EU, and even the Social Democrats and the Liberals (has a different meaning in Europe) will only consider to allow a Turkey adhering to the European Convention of Human Rights and the European Economic Rules (not the Euro rules AKA Maastricht).

[ashling]

3. He'll unilaterally admit Turkey to the EU,

but won't even consider statehood for the District of Columbia.

[Toucano]

8. BAM! You nailed him!

And this is him mending fences? It looks more like he went over to twist the knife.

[sniffa]

4. that's strong, steady Leadership

america wiLL Love him for it, especiaLLy since he's taking on our hated enemy, the french. wiLL france surrender?

[Cerridwen]

5. My favorite quote from the article . . .

...at CNN

"Bush said Tuesday that Turkey belongs in the EU and that Europe is "not the exclusive club of a single religion" " Full Article

Too bad he thinks the US is. :grr:

[Kimber Scott]

12. LOL! I think he thinks France is, too.

nt

[pinto]

6. Bush pushing hard for some "historical significance" before Nov 2.

Unfortunately, his legacy will be broken alliances, faith-based polarization - here and abroad - and a culture of crony capitalism unseen seen Herbert Hoover.

[kskiska]

7. For someone who's supposedly desperate to mend fences

and court allies, he does something this stupid. It defies explanation.Can't anyone control this idiot?

[moondust]

9. What about Russia, George?

Should they be allowed in? Anybody else George?

[Sweetpea]

10. He is really good at ignoring Chirac.

[peacetalksforall]

11. Don't you think this could be connected to Iraq?

We're asking Turkey for something.
Turkey said yes if we help them get in.

What could it be - I haven't kept up with talk about where the Kurds stand in all this new 'independence'.

But, could we might we be asking for peace and voice for the Kurds so we are asking Turkey not to impose their strength against them or try to move borders. Could it be so simple and pure?

[acmavm]

13. So, how long has Turkey been part of Europe, or is this something new?

Is it supposed to be like NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization who admits everyone, they just give the club a funny geographical name? Why don't they they name something the 'whole damn frigging world union' and be done with it?

[Kellanved]

14. Well, technically Turkey has a tiny part Europe

And as soon as a) a left double majority (i.e. EU and Member nations) is in power and b) Turkey meets the EU criteria, it is possible that an application can be considered. To be honest, I think a few countries far less fit for membership are way ahead in their bid for joining.

The EU is not a strictly Geographical pact, so much is clear from it's history. States not on the European continent are party to some treaties and some members have territories on other continents as well. ;maybe Bush wants to start membership talks on behalf of the US? :evilgrin:

[James T. Kirk]

15. Lots of Turkish people live in Europe!

:)
The are are more Turkish people living in the European part of Turkey than live in some of the smaller entirely-European countries.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Area_and_population_of_European_countries

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provinces_of_Turkey

[dArKeR]

16. how to create more global hostility towards the U.S....

During the Istambul conference Bush managed to even disapoint his loyal NATO allies Italy and Poland that sent trrop to Iraq by announcing an immediate authority "hand over" before the fixed date of June 30th. He even didn't discuss about it with his allies (except Blair).

As Bush previously claimed in Dublin that he would do his utmost to make Turkey a E.U member, he was answered by Chirac that next time he would go to the U.S he would brief Bush on how to integrate Mexico into the U.S...fair enough.

Americans don't realize their President is sending strange signals to foreign countries : in case you oppose us, we don't give a dam. In case you support us, we don't give a dam either...For instance, the UK got no major oil contract out of Iraq. Everything was given to Halliburton...This was well noted in France and Germany. 

No matter Bush is reelected or not, the world will never be the same again...One may wonder if there isn't a special advisor to the White House whose job is to instruct Bush on how to create more global hostility towards the U.S....

----------

A European friend sent me this.

[cthrumatrix]

17. must have been another "secret deal"...which hurts US globally

when it appears that we can't work with all the countries.

[hel]

18. That was definitely not helping Turkey

considering what Europeans think of him...

In fact our prime minister Tayyip Erdogan had to kind of 'apologize' for his remarks, saying 'We are sure Mr. Bush had the best intentions in mind, but we are aware that this is a issue only EU will decide.'

[varun]

19. Turkey needs to improve its gay rights record

...to get into the EU.

All EU countries have anti-discrimination policies for GLBT people, and Turkey is still struggling to include them.