[marky mark]

There's been a mid December deadline given for Turkey to open it's ports and airports to traffic from Cyprus.

Is this going to happen?

If it it's doesn't the EU talks could be suspended. Obviously whatever Turkey decides it needs to protect the interest of all the Turkish Cypriots living in North Cyprus.
This week German chancellor Angela Merkel said that EU talks would be in serious trouble unless Ankara lifted it's trade restrictions against Cyprus.

Is there an election next year? Will this effect what Tayyrip Erdogan decides to do?

I think he is already about to change the law about freedom of speech which had some writers like Orhan Pamuk(recommend his Istanbul book!) prosecuted.

I read in another thread about property prices going up partly because of Turkey joining the EU soon, but now there saying it could be in 15-20 years time!
If/when I buy a property in Turkey it will be because I like the country how it is now, not what it's going to be like into in the future

[Umit]

Hey Mark;

Turkey announced that ports and airports traffic will not be opened till isolations over Northern Cyprus lifted.

Is there an election next year? Will this effect what Tayyip Erdogan decides to do?

Yes there will be election next year and Turkish people are indecisive about EU currently. We think that EU trying us to give up.

I think he is already about to change the law about freedom of speech which had some writers like Orhan Pamuk(recommend his Istanbul book!) prosecuted.

Should we change the current laws coz of EU? No, we should change them for our own peace... We dont need EU to change them. Most of us think that current law are not good and we should change them asap.

If/when I buy a property in Turkey it will be because I like the country how it is now, not what it's going to be like into in the future

Nobody knows what will happen in the future. We want to be part of EU. But we would find another partners if EU kicks us. Look at Asia; China, Russia and Arabic middle east. There are really many powerful countries and we may work them together to improve our economies like EU do now. Of course this isnt only economy but also culture and many subjects... like fight against global terrorism..etc. I believe that EU must think and work more than us to decide.

Remember; we think that we are European people and we want to see Turkey as a modern country like Germany, England, France..etc. We'll continue to work for this.

[Tilli]

I agree with you Umit and the way you describe things is the way I have viewed the EU situation also.
Personally, I find it very frustrating to hear the negative talk about Turkey coming from some EU Officials whilst they are prepared to allow Bulgaria and Romania in. Turkey is far more open and has a far more acceptable way of life and culture than either Romania or Bulgaria.
I intend, when our election process starts next year to bring this matter up with my local Politicians. Its only a drop in the ocean but every drop counts.

Not even sure that the EU is good for Turkey but still feel that Turkey should be able to decide that issue for themselves and not have to be given the red or green light from Brussels.

[marky mark]

I agree with what is being said. I think the Cyprus debate will be a real
test to see where the EU for Turkey is going. Keep an eye on what happens next month.

Originally Posted by Umit

Should we change the current laws coz of EU? No, we should change them for our own peace... We dont need EU to change them. Most of us think that current law are not good and we should change them asap.

Well said!

Originally Posted by Tilli

Personally, I find it very frustrating to hear the negative talk about Turkey coming from some EU Officials whilst they are prepared to allow Bulgaria and Romania in. Turkey is far more open and has a far more acceptable way of life and culture than either Romania or Bulgaria.

They let Bulgaria and Romania in the EU and they still have alot of changes to make, yet Turkey has to make many changes before they even talk about letting them in the EU!

There was an opinion poll on the Euronews channel this week and it said 1 in 4 Turkish people were now against EU membership.