Start like a Turk, but finish like a German

We regret to observe recently that our German friends are offended by some of our statements and attribute different meanings to them. 

In fact, our statements have always been within the framework of sincerity and have always reflected our hope of channelling the steadfast cooperation between Turkey and Germany towards the EU accession process. The German side stated that they welcome the opening of Chapter 22 on Regional Policy and Coordination of Structural Instruments to negotiations during the EU Foreign Affairs Council Meeting held on May 12, 2013. 

 Nevertheless, we have been disappointed by Germany’s stance of preventing the opening of this Chapter to negotiations. We feel that our sincerity makes it necessary for us to express our disappointment.  We are referring to the “pacta sund servanda” principle, emphasised on every occasion by Germany regarding Turkey’s EU accession process. Furthermore, we also regret to note the intolerance and misinterpretation of our sincere reminders by our German friends, who unfairly criticise Turkey regarding the freedom of expression and state that Chapter 22 should not be opened to negotiations.  We would have expected these to be considered within the framework of freedom of expression and seen as an emphasis on democratic mechanisms rather than as threats. The best option for all parties would be to transform the friendship between Turkey and Germany into an opportunity for progress in Turkey’s EU accession negotiations. 

Let’s realise the proverb “Start like a Turk, but finish like a German” with regard to Turkey’s EU accession process and advance this process together.