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German, French leaders question Turkish EU membership anew
May 10, 2009, 17:40 GMT
Berlin - The question of Turkish EU membership was called into question anew Sunday when the leaders of Germany and France both questioned the wisdom of such a move during a meeting of young political leaders from their countries.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said it does not make sense for the European Union to continuously expand if the growth leaves the union unable to operate. Her comments came at the Sunday evening meeting in Berlin of young leaders from the conservative parties of Germany and France.
She said she would prefer that Turkey receive a privileged partnership with the EU, rather than full membership.
At the same meeting, French President Nicolas Sarkozy told the German newspaper Bild am Sonntag that 'We need a well-organized Europe ... That means we cannot expand without borders. We shouldn't make any empty promises to Turkey.'
As an alternative, Sarkozy proposed a large joint economic area, noting that a similar concept might work to bind Russia closer to the EU.
Merkel struck a similar tone, saying that the EU does not want to ignore the East, but needs to remain operational.
On a different note, Sarkozy also said he supports Germany's call for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
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Older Talkback
page: 1
Now they are trying to 'build a better Europe', but for whom?
Among other problems that Europe's the biggest problem is decrease of population. In 50 years or something there will no Germans or French people left.
Coming to Turkey, Europe is scared of Turkey with its 80 million population. Especially because most of them are Muslims. But, unfortunately, Europe does not understand one thing: they need Turkey! in every aspect! By rejecting the membership in EU, they are pushing Turkey into alliance with Russia, which can be much dangerous to Europe, than Islam :)
Just imagine, two, the strongest armies in Europe joining together...very scary...
page: 1
AndyMay 12th, 2009 - 02:51:29
German and French leaders are fools. It is going to be too late when they finally realize.
Turkey is probably the most important country in the region. And can solve a bunch of the European problems, such as, energy, defense, middle east, foreign affairs, and so on...
French/German leaders main objection is stemmed from their 'old' brains, they are still afraid of the compatibility of culture/life. (religion?)
Is anyone willing to push Turkey into a middle eastern or Russian unions?
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