Professor Kariane Westrheim, Chair<\/p>\n\n\n\n
European Union Turkey Civic Commission (EUTCC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Menneskerettighetenes plass 1, 5007 Bergen, Norway <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brussels, Belgium<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tel: +47 55 21 09 50<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fax: +47 55 21 09 59 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
E-mail: info@eutcc.org<\/p>\n\n\n\n
November 15, 2010<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dear Professor Westrheim<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First and foremost, I would like to thank you for inviting me to your 7th<\/sup> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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. …<\/p>\n