''Now, there is a condition that puts a barrier in front of those who would like free movement (of Turkish citizens within EU countries). This means that the problem of visas will not only continue for our workers but Turkish tourists as well. Insult against the people of this country cannot go further than this,'' writes Fatih Altayli of Hurriyet newspaper.
Altayli indicated that he spoke to one of Turkey's most experienced ambassadors. The ambassador was very pessimistic. ''It is not accurate to say that the (EU counter-) declaration has nothing to do with the (negotiating) framework document. By this declaration the EU has shown what it will put on the table (during the negotiation process). The EU is saying that, 'if you sit down for negotiations, our intentions are there','' told the ambassador.
However, according to the experienced ambassador, we still have a week to go.
''Turkey must convey its conditions (to the EU) immediately. Ankara must say what its conditions are, before saying that the conditions of the EU are not acceptable. If we start negotiations without objecting to the declared position of the EU, the EU may later say that Turkey had to make its objections known prior to the beginning of entry talks,'' expressed the ambassador.
Altayli asked the ambassador if we can remind our conditions after starting the negotiations. He indicated that ''nothing is agreed, until everything is agreed.'' This means that, unless we reach a consensus on all matters, we cannot agree on any of them.
The ambassador also reaffirmed that if negotiations begin under those conditions, they will not last long. ''We will have to leave the negotiations table. We must say what we have to say, right now. If necessary, we have to demonstrate that we will not sit at the negotiations table at all and kick the ball to their court,'' noted the ambassador.
''The scenario prior to October 3rd is not so promising'', comments Fatih Altayli who says ''The Turkish government has now a ball of fire in its hands.''
-''REGIME CHANGE'' SCENARIOS IN SYRIA-
''Bush administration thinks that (Syrian President Bashar) al-Assad is a 'weak' leader, and he will 'be of no use' for security and democratization efforts in Syria,'' writes on the other hand columnist Asli Aydintasbas in her editorial published in today's edition of Sabah daily.
Aydintasbas writes, ''both Ankara and western capitals debate by whom al-Assad can be replaced. This matter was also discussed during (U.S. President Bush's national security adviser) Hadley's visit to Ankara. Washington is focusing on an alternative figure to replace al-Assad. He must be a 'strong' dignitary and a Alawite, in order to 'prevent instability'. In this context, there are alternatives like Rafiq al-Assad --Bashar al-Assad's uncle-- who is 'a member of the family', or someone else who is at the top of the regime.''
''Ankara fears that a change of regime in Syria, even it is made by UN mediation, will create 'chaos'. However, the (Turkish) government is not willing to play the role of 'big brother' of al-Assad regime from now on. Therefore, there was neither any holiday program with al-Assad nor a scheduled Erdogan-al-Assad meeting. However, Ankara does not want to see another Iraq in Syria. Most importantly, Ankara wants to see 'concrete' evidence obtained through a UN investigation. This message was handed over to Hadley and Washington didn't got 'a firm promise' from Ankara regarding Syria yet,'' concluded Aydintasbas.
