Meeting with HE Mr Akin Alptuna, Ambassador of Turkey
Thursday 30th October 2003, 6.45pm, Room E, 7 Millbank, House of Commons
The Ambassador was introduced by the Chairman, Sir Ron Halstead, with a brief resumé of his work. The Ambassador has been in his role in the UK since February 2003 and prior to this worked as Deputy Under Secretary for the European Union.
His Excellency outlined the highly political situation of Turkey and highlighted three main current concerns: 1) EU relations with a view to accession to the European Union as a full member, 2) Cyprus, and 3) Iraq.
European Union
Turkey has amended its constitution extensively and is doing everything possible to ensure that it is fully in line for accession to the EU. There have been packages for reform to boost the economy and capital punishment has been abolished. A number of bi-lateral co-operation programmes have been initiated and it is hoped that implementation as a full member would be approved within about ten years – 2015. It was therefore felt that there is plenty of time to make up for any shortcomings that may exist at present and the overall climate is improving for progress towards accession.
Turkey’s main objective continues to be the opening of accession negotiations with the EU in December 2004.
Cyprus
Greek and Turkish relations should be analysed in relation to the Cyprus question. In the late ‘90s Greece and Turkey initiated a new cycle of dialogue and over a span of three years there have been 20 co-operation agreements that were passed to national parliament. There have therefore been visible signs of an improvement in relations and understanding. Everything appears to be moving in the right direction with the new cycle of comprehensive talks – there should be no problem in reaching a settlement in due course. There should be an understanding where there is free circulation of goods, people and services.
Iraq
As a neighbour, developments have been followed very closely. There was popular agreement in Turkey that Saddam should be removed. The problem is now the security situation. Turkey did not support the war or send troops and the country was always for a democratic Iraq with liberal and market-orientated policies.
The hope is that the troops will remain for a successful long term outcome, otherwise it could be difficult to maintain territorial unity. This is a very delicate issue.