[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2144]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                 TURKEY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOE KNOLLENBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 6, 2006

  Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I encourage Turkey to honor their 
commitments and implement important economic, regional, and political 
advancements in order to gain membership in the European Union (EU).
  Today, December 6, 2006, marks an important deadline in the pursuit 
of international partnership and cooperation. Turkey must begin to 
demonstrate to the EU and the international community that it is 
willing to implement changes in its policy prior to the Ascension 
Summit, where it will be decided whether Turkey may continue toward EU 
membership. The significance of this deadline is undeniable; Turkey 
must decide: do they continue to pursue a policy which alienates and 
impedes other nations? Or, do they adopt policy changes to join an 
important international cooperative body.
  It is a well-known fact the regional policies of Turkey cause strain 
in the South Caucasus region and unfairly harms the welfare of their 
neighbor country, Armenia. The European Union has repeatedly called for 
the cessation of the Turkish Blockade of Armenia as well as 
normalization of relations between the countries. However, these two 
pre-conditions to entering the EU have been blatantly ignored by 
Turkey. The blockade, now in its thirteenth year, is the only blockade 
of a fellow Council of Europe state. This is simply unacceptable, and I 
implore the EU to stand firm in their recommendations to Turkey in 
order to ensure these iniquitous economic practices are eliminated.
  Mr. Speaker, Armenia is a friend of the United States; and too many 
countries throughout the world. Yet, Turkey refuses to see the benefits 
Armenia brings to the South Caucasus region. This refusal has led to 
fierce tension within the region, as well as unfair economic outcomes 
that only harm Armenia. Before Turkey can become a member of the 
European Union, they must first acknowledge their mistakes, foster 
cooperation in the South Caucasus region, and respect their neighbor, 
Armenia.
  I encourage the European Parliament to consider the ramifications of 
Turkey's actions before granting them membership to the EU. The purpose 
of the EU is to create economic, political and most importantly 
regional cooperation between nations with similar interests. Turkey, 
with a history of bullying their neighbor, does not deserve membership 
until they change their ways.

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