Why Do Clinton And The U.S. Want Turkey In The E.U.? (he said US will end up like old Roman Empire)

turkish press ^ | 7/11/2002 | Sami Kohen

[TLBSHOW]

Why Do Clinton And The U.S. Want Turkey In The E.U.?

MILLIYET- Columnist Sami Kohen writes on former President Clinton's speech delivered as the guest of the Turkish-American Businessmen's Association (TABA).

Former US President Clinton's speech as the guest of TABA under the heading 'Turkish-EU-US Relations' was meaningful. Instead of speaking only on Turkish- American relations, Clinton chose to give certain messages to Turkey by focusing on mainly on issues of the EU as a friend of Turkey. Clinton told the Turkish people how important Turkey's EU membership was and why the US had worked hard on the issue. The former president's speech conveyed certain important messages to Turkey.

His first recommendation concerned the present political crisis. He told us not to despair in the face of these problems, as all countries had gone through similar problems and we would also overcome them.

His second message concerned the EU. Clinton said that even if it was a subject of debate, Turkey should try hard to enter the EU. In order to accomplish this, Turkey has to comply with the Copenhagen criteria and before the coming Copenhagen summit.

His third suggestion was on Cyprus. Clinton who pointed out that there were many people on both sides who were expecting a solution, said that it was time to leave behind the past and look to the future. A solution to the problem would lead Turkey and Greece to play important roles in the coming period. On attracting foreign investment, he said that if Turkey entered the EU it would come naturally.

Why does Clinton or the US want Turkey to be admitted into the EU? In Turkey, certain circles used to say that the US considered the EU as a rival to itself and therefore did not wish Turkey, dependent on itself, to enter into that orbit. Clinton explained the cause of this special interest thusly: 'When Turkey enters the EU, Turkish-US relations will not weaken but grow stronger.' He said that they shared the same ideals.

The EU was emerging as an economic power and the US would not go on forever as an economic and military superpower in the world as history's Roman Empire and Ottoman Empire did not last forever. The US shares the same values as Europe. That was why they were working together. The shared values are a reason why the US wants to see Turkey in the EU.

There may be differences of opinion between the US and the EU from time to time. But these should not be seen as two rival blocs. In this situation, there is cooperation within competition. Although Clinton didn't say, there are other reasons why the US supports Turkey regarding the EU. In this way, it will provide the Turkish economy an opportunity to get its act together more quickly. Furthermore, Turkey's gaining a place in the Western family will prevent it from sliding to extremes both in internal and foreign politics. These are necessary for US interests.

SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION

BYEGM 7/11/2002 7:55:12 AM

[TLBSHOW]

the US would not go on forever as an economic and military superpower in the world as history's Roman Empire and Ottoman Empire did not last forever.

Bill Clinton July 2002

[Howlin]

Dear Mr. Kohen: Bill Clinton no longer speaks for this country.

And look what he did for us!

[Miss Marple]

A particularly despicable statement, and one that should get more publicity. I don't believe he needs to be offering Turkey advice, either.

[TLBSHOW]

Clinton is nothing but anti-american liberal left wing trash as seen by this statement he made this summer.

[harpo11]

Loose lips at it again. Much like his zipper his mouth is always open.

[Welsh Rabbit]

Liberals are always saying we will wind up like the Roman Empire, which would imply we are behaving just like the Roman Empire. This is not the case at all. The Romans invaded every nation weaker than them and set up military outposts to extract taxes from the local populace. As far as I can tell, our association with weaker nation is costing our taxpayers in international aid. Anyways, I'm sure some more informed Freepers can provide a better analysis of how the American way is vastly different for the Roman way.

[exit82]

Imagine the elite of Turkey hanging on every one of the Arkansas huckster's words--as if they meant anything.

[Dog Gone]

I have real reservations about Turkey joining the EU. I wouldn't wish that on a friend.

[TLBSHOW]

you both have mail

[TLBSHOW]

They loved impeached clinton...

[I still care]

I saw Clinton while passing CNN tonight - he was delivering a homily on why we should have the UN on our side before we attack Iraq. He really ticked me off. You are not supposed to jump in second guessing the president in office when you are out. How come it seems like only the Democrats do that? I don't remember George Bush I coming out and saying Clinton was making a big mistake for not pursuing terrorists more aggressively - even though I am sure he felt it. But between Clinton and Carter they don't seem to have any understanding of propriety.

[Madame Dufarge]

Why don't we just chain him in the attic and be done with it?

[TLBSHOW]

Mark my words he is gunning for the job of becoming the Head of the United Nations!

God help us all!

[Blackyce]

Dont hate on the Romans. If our dominance can last for another 800 years or so I'll very pleased....dead, but very pleased.

[stainlessbanner]

Clinton has the infallable problem of opening his mouth to hear himself talk. Doesn't matter who is listening, or what the subject is, he's just gonna talk.

[Welsh Rabbit]

I don't hate the Romans at all. The point I was trying to make is that we are two very different cultures with two very different missions.

[Consort]

Throughout most of his life, Clinton has been interfering in the internal affairs of the United States.

[F16Fighter]

Bill Clinton will make a great keynote speaker -- IN the infernal region of Hades.

[MissAmericanPie]

I have always suspected he would have designs on the U.N.

My worst nightmare is Hillary as President and Clinton head of the U.N.