Turkish president's statement not to change country's policy on European integration: Chatham House expert

"I think it was more emotional statement than a statement of policy," Associate Fellow at Chatham House Fadi Hakura said.

Turkey may to refuse from EU membership in future, Turkish President Abdullah Gul said at a news conference held on the eve of his visit to France.

"Turkey may not have a willing to be EU member in future. Perhaps, it will follow Norway's example," Gul said.

During discussion on Norway's EU membership citizens of this country opposed joining this organization. As a result, despite the fact that Norway complies with European standards, it refused from the EU membership.

Negotiations on Turkey's admission to the EU have been held since 2005. At present the talks at an impasse because of the unwillingness of many European countries, particularly France, to accept Turkey to the EU, which has the problem of human rights, but also because of Turkey's refusal to recognize Republic of Cyprus as the EU member and to open transport connections with it.

Regarding the possibility of creating an alternative alliance to the EU, as Turkey's official circles repeatedly stated, Hakura doubted of the implementation of such initiatives.

The expert cited example the complicated political situation and the differences among the Arab countries and among the countries of South Caucasus.

Because of the differences among the countries in the region [of Middle East and Southern Caucasus] it seems to be a difficult idea to form any kind of a union like the European Union, Hakura, Director of the Turkish Project in Chatham House.

It would be difficult for Turkey to create association, in alliance with Russia as an alternative to the EU, as Russia-Turkish relations are confined to the sphere of energy and trade and cultural ties between them are not as strong as Turkey's relation with Europe, the expert added.

/Trend News/