Don't say no to Turkey

By publicly supporting Turkish candidacy for membership of the European Union, US President Barack Obama has triggered a controversy among many European leaders and commentators.

"It is none of your business," has been the most frequent retort from Europeans. Just as European countries are not lecturing the United States on the limits of the North American Free Trade Agreement - by suggesting that Cuba be admitted, for example - it follows that Washington should not seek to define the borders or the membership of the EU.

The most outspoken critic on this issue has been French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who has recently decided to fully reintegrate France into the Nato military structure and has made a strong relationship between France and the US a priority.

Knowing that the French are opposed to Turkish integration (figures from a recent poll showed 55 per cent in opposition to Turkish admission and only 35 per cent in favour), Sarkozy must think that this is his chance to prove he is not an American lackey.

The public opposition to integrating Turkey into the EU can be explained from various perspectives.

Some people argue that as Turkey is a Muslim country, it does not meet European standards - despite its secular leadership. Others point to the size of its population: with 75 million inhabitants, Turkey would be the most heavily populated country in the union. It would also be one of the poorest, with less than 5,000 euros of gross national product per capita. Keeping in mind that new members are provided with generous economic assistance, it is uncertain whether Europe could afford to admit Turkey.

History and geography are also evoked. Turkey doesn't belong to Europe, some say. The army plays too important a role in Turkey for the nation to be ranked as a truly democratic country by European standards, others argue.

The Armenian community has mobilised and demands that Ankara recognise and ask forgiveness for the 1915 genocide before any steps are taken towards European membership. The Cyprus conflict also remains unresolved, and the Kurdish minority contends that it is not fairly treated.

The arguments against Turkey are clearly numerous. But another viewpoint is possible.

The fact that Turkey is a Muslim country should not be seen as a handicap. Rather, this should be considered an advantage at a time when relations between Muslim and Western countries are of utmost importance. Turkey is a secular country and could provide a bridge between the two civilisations.

The Ottoman Empire was certainly a colonial power in Arab countries, and the latter have had difficult relations with Ankara in the past. But despite historical differences, the position taken by European countries towards Muslim Turkey sends an important message to Arab countries. Some think that Europe is a Christian club. Others see Europe as a union of countries in which religion is a private matter and where many Muslims already live.

It is true that the majority of Turkish territory is located in Asia. But part of it is in Europe and this is sufficient from a juridical point of view. Historically, Turkey belongs to Eur-ope. Francis I of France had an alliance with the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century.

During the 19th century, the Ottoman Empire was known as the 'Sick Man of Europe' - hardly a compliment, but at least recognition of being part of the family. The role of the Turkish army has also been downsized, ironically by the ruling party, a Muslim party which compares itself to European Christian democrat parties. Taking advantage of a football World Cup qualification match between Armenia and Turkey, Turkish President Abdullah Gul also recently made a trip to Armenia.

Furthermore, the Turkish economy is growing steadily and quickly. The demographic transition has already been achieved. With 2.2 children per woman, Turkey is close to French standards (2.1), keeping in mind that France has the highest birth rate in Europe. But there is no reason to fear a demographic explosion in Turkey.

In fact, the reluctance of many Eur-opean citizens regarding European enlargement to include Turkey is more an opposition to enlargement itself than to Turkey in particular. Europe has grown too much and too quickly and European citizens are demanding a break. They do not recognise Europe and they fear that political power is further and further from their daily preoccupations. Ironically, Europe is more popular outside its boundaries than within.

Last but not least, Turkish integration is not an urgent matter. Membership negotiations always involve a long process and will last for at least 10 years if not more. So it is both highly unwelcome and unnecessary to close the door on Turkey now. Europe would do better to continue negotiations in good faith. To be truly powerful, Europe will need Turkey's help.

Dr Pascal Boniface is the founder and director of the Institut de Relations Internationales et Strategiques.