UPDATED ON:
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
23:29 Mecca time, 20:29 GMT
 
News Europe
Erdogan warns Sarkozy on EU

Nicolas Sarkozy is opposed to Turkish membership of the EU [EPA]

Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish prime minister has warned Nicolas Sarkozy, the French president-elect, that continued hostility towards his country's bid for EU membership will provoke anti-European feeling.
 
"Mr. Sarkozy has to overcome his prejudices … if we say the EU is not a Christian club, then Mr. Sarkozy should review his opinions," he said.
Sarkozy is opposed to Turkey joining the European bloc, arguing the country is in 'Asia Minor', and cannot be considered part of Europe.
 
Outgoing president Jacques Chirac was a supporter of Turkey's membership aspirations.
 
Erdogan also said Sarkozy must consider the feelings Turkish citizens.
"My people have concerns vis-à-vis the European Union … The negative stance of a country [on Turkey's accession] leads to a negative stance against that country here."
 
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Turkey had to adopt far-reaching democracy reforms for EU accession talks in October 2005.
 
But Ankara's refusal to allow Greek Cypriot aircraft into its ports and airports led to its collapse.
 
Erdogan acknowledged Turkey's failure to build closer ties with France. He said that Ankara failed to explain their historically close political relations and economic exchanges.
 
Firm Secularist
 
Erdogan rejected his opponents' claims he is trying to take Turkey away from a secular path.
 
He has long denied claims he is trying to boost the role of religion in society, but secularists deeply distrust him and his ruling AKP party.
 
"It would be a mistake to pit secularism against Islam," he said, commenting on mass rallies that have been held in Turkey over the past few weeks.
 
Erdogan noted that protestors had carried banners saying "No to a military coup, no to Sharia (Islamic) law", and said his government fully shared that sentiment.
 Source: Agencies.
 
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