Now, either the doors of Europe will be opened partially or hopes will be abandoned completely. Turkey, weary of the European Union (EU), does not want to wait in front of the door anymore because it has thoroughly completed the homework assigned to it in Copenhagen. European Union (EU) rulers also confirmed it; there is no file left on the table. European Union leaders made the long-awaited decision on Turkey Friday evening. Not only Turkey but also Europe and the world at large had been waiting for Europe's decision.
The destiny and future vision of Europe were put forward by the result. Brussels had been virtually under the occupation of Turks for two days. Three ministers, nearly 30 deputies accompanied Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Not all the deputies were from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), seven of them were Republican People's Party (CHP) deputies.
Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, State Minister Besir Atalay and Finance Minister Kemal Unakitan accompanied the prime minister. The print and visual Turkish media stormed the EU capital, Brussels. Almost everybody there believed that the result would be positive. Winds of cautious optimism blew in Brussels. The most important reason being the signals from France, known for its chilly and cold attitude for a long time… It somehow cleared Turkey's way. French President Jacques Chirac, who has all along supported Turkey without hesitation, really boosted morale. Erdogan described Chirac's attitude as "brave." Despite the positive news and atmosphere, the Turkish delegation continued its last-minute onslaught.
Erdogan and Gul held bilateral meetings with leading European leaders throughout Thursday. They left one meeting to take part in the other. The aim was to do away with all problems, so as not to encounter any surprises, especially on Cyprus.
Erdogan on Thursday morning met with Turkish reporters in Brussels and evaluated the latest developments. After listening to the speech by German co-speaker Claudia Roth in support of Turkey, the morale of Erdogan, who came a little bit late to the meeting, was boosted. The smile on his face indicated that the wind in Brussels was blowing briskly in Turkey's favor. I remember from Copenhagen that before such critical decisions, leaders generally were distressed and tense. The result also carries a political cost.
In the hours that followed, the optimistic atmosphere spread gradually. Serious bargaining began on Cyprus, permanent restrictions and even on the suspension of negotiations. During the night, Cyprus most especially, became a scenario for tough negotiations. This continued the following day. The first joyful news was on the date to start negotiations: European leaders set a negotiation date for the first week of October.
Erdogan's relaxed and joyful mood in the morning, during the most critical hours, attracted attention. No matter what the decision was, it was surely a turning point, a new era for Turkey. At this point, Erdogan's evaluation was worthy of note. He said that he did not see the result in the brackets of "victory and failure." The best decision is not victory, the worst possibility is not failure.
He preferred to use the phrase, "the distance covered," instead of victory. "We are cautious, this is our principle. This success will not spoil us." I was extremely hopeful, contrary to the gloomy and bleak atmosphere in Brussels. Turkey got the result it deserved and a new era in Turkey's EU adventure has begun.
The former situation has now become a new situation. As expected, if Turkey sits at the negotiation table in 2005, a difficult process will start again. Turkey will have to arrange all its settings in all areas according to Europe. This means boosting the standards of democracy and management.
Meanwhile, as the Turkish Airlines (THY) plane, carrying passengers to Brussels headed for landing on Wednesday, the moon rose over Europe, drawing everybody's attention with its elegant and attractive image. Turkey has virtually done all what is required of it and it is now up to the European leaders. They will have the final say.
