29/09/2004 10:17:00 am
Yes to Turkey in the EU - no to a Christian European Club! The debate about Turkey joining the EU is getting intense, since the decision about the start of accession negotiations gets closer. The pace of reforms in Turkey to meet the Copenhagen criteria has been remarkable. Unfortunately, that just makes the opponents of Turkish membership change their arguments. The worst of the irrelevant arguments now put forth is that most Turks are Muslims, but most people in the EU of today are Christians. Surely one fundamental part of the EU is freedom of religion? And what about the millions of Muslims living in today?s EU countries? I spent last week in Cyprus, which is sharply divided since 30 years between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. But one can see old Greek Orthodox churches and Mosques side by side in many small villages. That is a nice symbol of what the future EU should be like; cultures, religions and countries living side by side peacefully in free societies. The idea of a European Christian Club is intolerant and dangerous. Follow the process here.