THE TIMES OF INDIA

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2003

Turkey campaigning to improve image in EU

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

ANKARA: Turkey said on Wednesday it was launching a publicity campaign to
overcome what it sees as prejudice in the European Union over its bid to
join the wealthy bloc.

Turkey became an EU candidate in 1999 but has yet to start entry talks due
to continued concerns over its human rights record. The EU has promised to
review Turkey's candidacy in December 2004 and may open accession
negotiations shortly after.

Many in the 15-nation EU, due to swell to 25 members next year, believe that
Turkey, a largely Muslim nation of 70 million, is too big and culturally
different to fit into the Union.

"It is our task to prepare public opinion in the European Union for Turkey's
membership," Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul told reporters.

He said a new "communication group" comprising businessmen and journalists
as well as government ministers would spearhead the campaign to improve
Turkey's image in Europe.

Artists, writers and academics would also be enlisted as "private
ambassadors" to press Ankara's case, as would the large Turkish diaspora now
living inside the EU.

Events such as the Eurovision song contest, due to be hosted by Turkey next
year, would be used to project positive images of a country long popular
with European tourists but still seen by many as politically and culturally
closer to the Middle East.

Political reforms

Gul said a second committee including himself, the justice minister and
human rights groups would monitor implementation of political reforms which
parliament recently approved, in line with the bloc's membership
requirements.

"Habits won't change easily, but if we see any wrong or inadequate
implementation, the necessary warning will be made (by the committee). If
these warnings are not heeded, then an application for legal proceedings
will be made.

"In Turkey, you won't be able to see things such as human rights
violations," Gul added.

The committee would report to the cabinet every month.

The EU has praised Turkey's recent flurry of reforms, which include
extending the cultural rights of its ethnic Kurdish minority and curbing the
political role of the military. But it says implementation remains key to
starting entry talks.

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