Menu
Latest
Menu
Latest
Commentary

Turkey-EU relations focus on solidarity

5 November 2011

The relations between Turkey and the European Union are at the best of times complicated. Turkey's accession process to the European Union has already been a long and difficult journey, leaving both sides at times frustrated and dissappointed.

This week, despite the many problems that continue to beset Turkey-EU relations , the two sides put aside differences and put solidarity at the heart of their relationship.

The reason was the VAN earthquake and the need for urgent EU response to address the humanitarian problems that arose. In a simple ceremony at the Ministry for European Affairs in Ankara, Turkey's European Affairs Minister, Egemen Bagis, and the Head of the EU Delegation to Turkey, Ambassador Marc Pierini signed an agreement that provides for EU  assistance to Turkey for the victims of the Van earthquake, through the Turkish Red Crescent Society. Both sides referred to the moment as the opening of a new Chapter in their relations - the Chapter on solidarity.

Minister Bagis said that the EU had used every means to share the sorrow of the Turkish nation and to meet the sheltering needs of the earthquake survivors in Van. "Today, we have gathered for a very meaningful occasion. We are opening the chapter on solidarity with the EU, which is perhaps the most important chapter of the negotiations"

Bagis stated that as well as the material value of the aid, its moral value was also very important. He added: "Turkish nation never forgets the favours done".

Speaking about the Van earhtquake which he described as a huge tragedy, Ambassador Pierini said that Turkey had put up an impressive rescue and humanitarian operation, both from the side of the authorities and from the civil society.  The EU had responded within hours with support, which included tents for 35,000, financial support to construct 6000 temporary housing units and satellite pictures to help rescure and reconstruction. Ambassador Pierini said that "As the Minister just said, today we have opened the solidarity chapter between the EU and Turkey. This is perhaps the most natural and legitimate chapter between us".

The EU support for the victims of the Van earthquake is a part of an impressive international effort, which, among other things, has seen the deployment of Armenian and Azerbaijani rescue teams engaged in the humanitarian effort.

source: commonspace.eu with "Egemen Bagis Gundem/Agenda" and the Press Service of the EU delegation to Turkey

photo: The signing ceremony at the Ministry of European Affairs on 31 October 2011 (Picture courtesy of "Egemen Bagis Gundem/The Agenda")

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged
Trending

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

9 June 2021
Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
Armenia and Azerbaijan edge closer to a peace deal
Trending

Armenia and Azerbaijan edge closer to a peace deal

22 April 2024
Armenia and Azerbaijan last week announced they had agreed on the process of demarcation of their border in the Tavush region that will result in the return of four villages that had been under Armenian control since the conflict in the 1990s to Azerbaijan. The agreement is being seen as a milestone event that will greatly contribute to finalising the process leading towards the signing of a peace agreement between the two countries, who have been in conflict for more than three decades. The agreement comes after months of negotiations, and controversy, including some opposition from Armenian residents in the proximity of the four villages. On 19 April, it was announced that the eighth meeting of the Committee on Demarcation and Border Security of the State Border between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan and the State Committee on the Demarcation of the State Border between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia was held under the chairmanship of Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan and Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafaev. There are of course many small details that will have to be ironed out later, but the fact that the sides have agreed the basic parameters, and especially their re-affirmation that they will "be guided by Alma Ata's 1991 Declaration in the demarcation process" is a huge step forward. No wonder that the international community in the last few days have lined up to congratulate the two sides on their success and to nudge them forward to complete the process of signing a peace agreement between them. Seasoned observers now see the signing of such an agreement as being truly within reach. Of course, there will be those who for one reason or another will not like these developments and will try to spoil the process. Armenia and Azerbaijan must remain focused on overcoming any last obstacles, and on its part, the international community must also remain focused in helping them do so as a priority.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
Armenia and Azerbaijan edge closer to a peace deal
Trending

Armenia and Azerbaijan edge closer to a peace deal

22 April 2024
Armenia and Azerbaijan last week announced they had agreed on the process of demarcation of their border in the Tavush region that will result in the return of four villages that had been under Armenian control since the conflict in the 1990s to Azerbaijan. The agreement is being seen as a milestone event that will greatly contribute to finalising the process leading towards the signing of a peace agreement between the two countries, who have been in conflict for more than three decades. The agreement comes after months of negotiations, and controversy, including some opposition from Armenian residents in the proximity of the four villages. On 19 April, it was announced that the eighth meeting of the Committee on Demarcation and Border Security of the State Border between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan and the State Committee on the Demarcation of the State Border between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia was held under the chairmanship of Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan and Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafaev. There are of course many small details that will have to be ironed out later, but the fact that the sides have agreed the basic parameters, and especially their re-affirmation that they will "be guided by Alma Ata's 1991 Declaration in the demarcation process" is a huge step forward. No wonder that the international community in the last few days have lined up to congratulate the two sides on their success and to nudge them forward to complete the process of signing a peace agreement between them. Seasoned observers now see the signing of such an agreement as being truly within reach. Of course, there will be those who for one reason or another will not like these developments and will try to spoil the process. Armenia and Azerbaijan must remain focused on overcoming any last obstacles, and on its part, the international community must also remain focused in helping them do so as a priority.