During a DMW delegation trip to Turkey at the start of the year, DMW chairman Günther Meinel gave a widely noted interview to leading Turkish TV station HBR for the main news on January 19, 2012. Major daily newspapers reported it on their front pages on January 22. Since then, additional radio and TV stations have requested interviews and press conferences, making another DMW trip to Turkey necessary.
Key statements from the interview: “The EU currently faces challenges that require strong leadership. The election of Martin Schulz as President of the European Parliament is a gain for Europe and also for Turkey. When I discussed accession with then EU Commissioner Günter Verheugen in 2000, Martin Schulz supported this view. Yet Europe remains Europe; even if a core Europe emerges, the euro will continue to be the European currency.”
“Of course, mistakes were made in the formation of Europe, which are now having an impact. Acceptance of central structures must now be achieved, which is difficult because national particularities dominate. Europe has not grown together; it has ‘joined’. All countries kept a back door open. But we must be a single entity. Just as the United States of America has only one president, Europe also needs a strong president.”
“Many clichés about Turkey must be overcome. We have a false view of Turks, and Turkey also bears some responsibility for this. Many people still associate Turkey with honor killings and forced marriages. For many, Turkey is a backward country. Only businesspeople and travelers truly know modern Turkey.”
“Fifteen years ago, I too had a false image when I visited Turkey as a tourist and only knew Turkey through Turks living in Germany. Today I experience Turks as intelligent, reliable, and solid partners. Turkey belongs in the European Union; we advocate for this. It is also an important bridge to the Arab world.”
“We also try to dispel fears of Islam through dialogue. Together with Turkey’s Islamic leader, H.E. Prof. Mehmet Görmez, we initiated a dialogue and emphasized shared core values of peace, respect, and human dignity. We have many common values that unite us rather than divide us.”
“We will now continuously accompany Turkey in the EU accession negotiations, advise it, and serve as support.”
The TV interview and coverage in Turkish newspapers sparked extraordinary interest in DMW Diplomaten International, prompting numerous influential figures from Turkey’s public and economic life to seek membership. Because of this and ongoing media requests, DMW will soon make another trip to Turkey.
DMW International | News
2012