State that doesn't mark Christian church with cross has no place in Europe

PanARMENIAN.Net - Official Ankara was gladdened with resumption of the dialogue that was suspended last December, inasmuch the EU decision may raise the rating of Turkey that has failed to represent itself as a tolerant and democratic state. The evidence is the slaying of Agos editor Hrant Dink, opening of the Church of Holy Cross on Akhtamar island, intrusion of Turkish troops in Northern Iraq under the pretence of struggle against the Kurdish Workers' Party and last but not least, Ankara's unwillingness to open air and sea ports for Cypriot vessels. As it's known, the talks were broken over Turkey's failure to fulfill the additional protocol on Customs Union.

Turkish nationalism is not the only reason which is not openly mentioned at the talks but which appears another stumbling block for full membership in the European family. Turkish Post newspaper writes, " Each morning children dressed in uniform line up in the schoolyard in front of the statue of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and say "he is the happy man, who can say he is Turk." According to a Reuters reporter, since the day of Hrant Dink's murder more and more Turks see a threat to the development of the state. Maybe presidential contender Nicolas Sarkozy is right to say Turkey has no place in the European Union. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has also spoke out against Turkey's membership preferring the formula of "privileged partnership."

This position is proved by the fact that wasn't invited to EU summit in Berlin. "If Germany invited candidate states it would be a demonstration of unity of the European family," Turkish MFA official Levent Bilman said. This address was followed by vague statements by PM Erdogan and FM Gul who said "they were planning a visit to Berlin in April and absence of invitation didn't changed anything."

Nevertheless, the talks may be stopped at any moment if Turkey refuses to meet commitments as regards Cyprus and the notorious article 301. Another point is relations with the U.S. Washington insists on Turkey's accession to the EU but some changes in the U.S. internal policy may have a negative impact on Turkey. First of all, it's the Armenian Genocide bill, complex state of the Bush administration and tension over the Iranian problem. From this standpoint thinking that Turkey may join the EU in 10 years is too optimistic. A state that doesn't mark Christian church with cross has no place in Europe.