BY SUKRU KUCUKSAHIN
HURRIYET- Relations with the EU which are conducted in an atmosphere cause both sides to question each other. As part of it, an important questioning happened on July 20. Finnish Ambassador Maria Serenius invited National Security Council (NSC) Secretary General Ambassador Yigit Alpogan as a speaker at the traditional EU ambassadors' dinner. I heard from a few diplomats whom I spoke to lately that the ambassadors listened to Alpogan very carefully due to his duty as an ambassador and his relation with the NSC. Stating that the public's support for the EU fell and that he believed that it was temporary, Alpogan said, `While sending reports to your country, please emphasize that both sides need this project. Write that this project shouldn't be reduced to the problem of a little harbor and that a lesson shouldn't be given.' Alpogan stressed Turkey's lack of confidence and said that an appropriate basis was formed so the EU can end the relations. He added, `I should say it openly that you can make a train accident with Turkey immediately. If you give preference to the headlines of free movement of goods, customs union and transportation, this accident would occur soon.' Alpogan suggested that these three headlines should be left to the final stage and added, `We admit that we can't be an EU member without solving the Cyprus issue. However, if you discuss a problem now that we should solve in 2004, the accident would occur.'
Alpogan said it would be impossible to open the harbors as long as the isolation lasts and added, `We don't feel safe on our path to the EU. Such concepts as open-ended negotiations and the capacity of digestion cause the public to be doubtful. In other words, will you separate yourself from us only because one person from Austria rejects our membership? Stating that the EU needs Turkey more than Turkey needs the EU, Alpogan made suggestions to EU ambassadors. Firstly, he suggested that we develop a new strategy of communication and tell the people the characteristics of the EU. He also wanted them to tell their public how Turkey will contribute to the EU and added, `There's an atmosphere as if we'll be a burden on your shoulders. We won't be a burden on your shoulders. If you see and tell this, there won't be the problem of the EU public opinion anymore.' Finally, traces of Alpogan's remarks were seen in some of the activities of these ambassadors and our representative to Brussels announced the news that the issue of harbor was postponed. However, we'll see the actual result in the Progress Report.