Professor Kariane Westrheim, Chair
European Union Turkey Civic Commission (EUTCC)
Menneskerettighetenes plass 1, 5007 Bergen, Norway
Brussels, Belgium
Tel: +47 55 21 09 50
Fax: +47 55 21 09 59
E-mail: info@eutcc.org
November 15, 2010
Dear Professor Westrheim
First and foremost, I would like to thank you for inviting me to your 7th annual conference. For the past few years I had the pleasure of attending the conference. Unfortunately, this year due to some circumstances beyond my control I cannot be there in person, but in spirit I am with you and other participants. I wish you a much successful conference.
Although Turkey aspires to become a democratic state and join the European Union, yet it has a long and difficult road ahead to reach that milestone. Compared to authoritarian states in the Middle East, Turkey is a semi-democratic country. For the past six years EUTCC has been instrumental in encouraging this semi-democratic state to move towards full democracy. Each year through thorough research and rigorous discussions, EUTCC has rightfully concluded that Turkey