TURKEY and the EU

From Germany, Christopher Jones disagrees with Harry Papasotiriou on the admission of Turkey to the EU: "Giscard is 95% correct. Because only 5% of Turkey is officially in Europe. Do we want European"union or some sort of mishmash to please the fun-loving Germans and the US military? What about Morocco or even Algeria? Algeria was once a French departement [actually three. RH].voting in national elections. And Russia? Will Europe extend its borders to the sea of Japan? We have to learn to say enough is enough -- Basta! Terribly sorry, Turkey is more than a turkey, it is a dead duck for Europe".

RH: The US and Britain support Turkey largely for military reasons, Harry Papasotiriou and the Greeks to solve the impasse over Cyprus. Turkey will not be admitted until it meets EU criteria, and that would apply to any other applicant. I see one problem in the EU. Suppose a government, say that of Greece,is overthrown and replaced by a military dictatorship and thus no longer satisfies EU criteria. Is there a mechanism for expelling member states? Would it be used? Two or three EU countries will fail to meet EU financial criteria. What will be done?

Ronald Hilton - 12/4/02