Baku, Azerbaijan, July 6
By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:
The Turkish authorities state that joining the EU means the achievement of democratic and living standards for Ankara. But this is not so.
At present, Turkey's format is to conduct an independent policy in the region and its own domestic economic policy. It is clear that Ankara will not be allowed to join the EU in such a format.
The Turkish authorities are well aware of this.
Turkey's joining the EU does not mean that Ankara will receive the maximum benefit. In fact, vice versa. If Ankara expects anything in relations with the EU, the EU will also dictate its terms in case of Turkey's joining this organization. And there is no doubt that in case of Turkey's joining the EU, Ankara will be obliged to change its attitude about the events of 1915 and not this only.
Turkey's membership in the EU also means the refusal from the independent policy in the region. That is, Turkey may lose its status of a regional leader.
Moreover, to join any union means to give up its own interests for the sake of the interests of the union.
At present, Turkey's single goal is to become an economic and political center of the region. All efforts of the Justice and Development Party have been made in this direction since 2003.
For example, the country paid off its debts to the International Monetary Fund in May 2013.
Turkey had $23 billion worth of debts in 2002. After Ankara paid off its debts to the International Monetary Fund, Turkish authorities expressed readiness to allocate a loan to the IMF that clearly shows Ankara's preeminence over some countries that are EU members and are not still able to pay off their debts to the IMF.
Earlier, Turkish authorities expressed readiness to make a $5 billion loan to IMF.
The first "contract" between Turkey and IMF was signed in 1947 during the office of President Ismet Inonu.
The more success Turkey achieved in economic and political spheres, the more its relations with the EU was changing. Previously, Ankara regarded the EU as the center of democratic values and the supremacy of human rights, however, the developments in the region, in particular, in Syria and Egypt changed Ankara's views of the EU.
That's to say, currently, the EU is nothing but a "club of hypocrites" for Ankara, according to Turkey's president.
One can say that no matter how the EU officials mention the importance of Turkey for the union, Ankara doesn't aspire to the EU anymore, especially against the background of the economic crisis in Greece, the historical, political and economic rival of Turkey.
It is worth noting that Turkey has already given a helping hand of support to Athens.
Against the background of the recent events, Turkish authorities declared their readiness to provide financial support to Greece. Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek said that the ministry is waiting for the prime minister Ahmet Davutoglu's order to provide financial support to Greece. Simsek said that Turkey has the opportunity to provide financial support to Greece.
The case is that no matter how Turkey tries to provide financial support to Athens, it won't help to pull the country out of debts.
Given the crisis in Greece, the EU's attitude towards Turkey's principal geopolitical interests, including the 1915 events, Ankara is unlikely to sacrifice its interests for the EU's sake.
edited by CN
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Rufiz Hafizoglu is the head of Trend Agency's Arabic news service, follow him on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
