Turks' optimism for EU defies current troubles

[Evro]

Turks' optimism for EU defies current troubles





Tuesday, December 19, 2006


A high-tension confrontation between Ankara and Brussels over Cyprus is apparently not reflected in Turkish public opinion, with perception of the bloc improving in society. But the political sphere may not respond that positively to a tougher-talking EU

ANKARA - Turkish Daily News


More than half of Turks conjure up a positive image when asked about the European Union, revealing a significant improvement in public perception of the bloc despite high tension on a political level over an unresolved problem centering on Cyprus.

Some 55 percent of Turks gave an affirmative response when asked whether the EU has a positive image, according to a Eurobarometer poll published by the European Commission. That represents a 12 percent improvement in public perception of the bloc compared to six months ago.

The period since the spring of 2006 has been marred by bitter political bickering between Ankara and Brussels over the Turkish refusal to open its ports and airports to traffic from Greek Cyprus. The EU leaders eventually agreed last week not to open eight of 35 negotiating chapters to punish Turkey's noncompliance.

However, the repercussions of the Cyprus woes may not be that positive in the political sphere. Last month's decision from the EU was slammed by Ankara as unfair and “lacking strategic vision.”

The Washington-based based think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said yesterday in a report that the EU decision to slow down the accession talks increased the risk of internal political strife in Turkey as the country gears up for two key elections next year.

http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=62123