Wexler Introduces Resolution Supporting Turkey's Entrance into the European Union
The Turkish Times, Washington, D.C.- Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL), Co-Chairman of the Congressional Turkey Caucus, introduced a resolution in the United States House of Representatives on October 16, 2002 supporting the efforts of the Republic of Turkey to join the European Union (EU). Wexler introduced the resolution along with Turkey Caucus Co-Chairs Repre-sentatives Ed Whitfield (R-KY) and Kay Granger (R-TX) and Representative Tom Lantos (D-CA).

In urging Turkey's entrance in the EU, the resolution recognizes Turkey's long-standing relationship with both the United States and Western Europe. The resolution draws upon how Turkey has been a cornerstone of the NATO alliance for 50 years, its extraordinary partnership with the U.S. and Western Europe in the fight against international terrorism, and a 1997 agreement between Turkey and the EU that laid the foundation for Turkey's incorporation into the EU. Additionally, the resolution praises Turkey for passing historic political reforms on August 3, 2002, aimed at meeting the Copenhagen political criteria for EU membership.

"It is in the best interests of both the U.S. and the European Union that Turkey become a member of the EU. As the model for a secular Muslim democracy, Turkey is one of the most important allies the United States and the EU have in the war against terror and in rebuilding Afghanistan. I am hopeful that passage of this resolution will pave the way for Turkey's acceptance into the European Union," said Wexler. "It would be a grave mistake for the EU not to seize this historic opportunity to admit Turkey into the EU. Instead of dismissing Turkey's political reform efforts, the EU should embrace Turkey and immediately give Ankara a date for accession negotiations at the EU Copenhagen summit in December," Wexler added.

Congressman Wexler is a member of the House Committee on International Relations, and its Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia, as well as its Subcommittee on Europe. Wexler is also Co-Chairman and co-founder of the Congressional Turkey Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives.