Brussels, 06/05/2003 (Agence Europe) - The exchange of views on the report by Dutch Christian democrat, Arie Oostlander, regarding Turkey's accession request at the EP Foreign Affairs Committee last week, confirmed the divergences between MEPs, as proved with the 283 amendments presented up till now. The draft report was interpreted by British Conservative, Geoffrey van Orden as "an attempt to prevent Turkey entering the Union". Catherine Lalumière (French, socialist group) claimed that the report revealed "a major problem", namely, the "impression of the condescending tone" that it used. German Social Democrat, Jo Leinen declared that, "it would be illogical for the EP to be more critical as from the past to the present moment, Turkey is proceeding to sizeable reforms".
Among some of the more controversial issues: the role of the Turkish army and the need to develop a new constitution. Although MEPs underlined the fact that the Turkish arm's position was too big and that the military should be subject to political control, several considered that it would be too much to demand the abolition of the National Security Council. MEPs also confirmed that major constitutional reforms were crucial but should be for the main part made more sensitive about the detail, while allowing for (or not) decisions on an entirely revised constitution by Turkey.
Elmar Brok, President of the Parliamentary committee, mentioned the political criteria of Copenhagen, explaining that, "the assessment of Turkey's request for accession should be done in the same way as other countries". MEPs also tackled the issue of Cyprus, while seeking a "fair" solution. The rapporteur stressed that without a settlement in Cyprus, "Turkey cannot satisfy the political criteria of Copenhagen". While looking at the "very real" problems of Turkey, which could not be ignored, Joost Lagendijk (Dutch Green) stated that it should be "absolutely clear that the door to accession is well and truly open". Arie Oostlander categorically rejected the accusations by some that appealed for the launch of a "common EU/Turkey" project (aiming to enable fundamental reforms in Turkey), which was designed to block EU accession. Mr Oostlander explained that the, "intention was to address Turkey and propose aid to it in view of the required political criteria for joining the EU being met". Mr Oostlander also highlighted the fact that the EU accession door was open to Turkey but there was still a lot to be done. Bob van den Bos (Dutch Liberal) sarcastically declared that there was, "the impression that we do not really want to welcome Turkey" to the EU with "the door being open but a large lock had been attached to it with the key being thrown to the bottom of a well. He also stated that problems had to be dealt with in a frank manner but in a "calm atmosphere".