congressional_record: CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2144
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| granule_id | date | congress | session | volume | issue | title | chamber | granule_class | sub_granule_class | page_start | page_end | speakers | bills | citation | full_text |
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| CREC-2006-12-08-pt1-PgE2144 | 2006-12-08 | 109 | 2 | TURKEY | HOUSE | EXTENSIONS | ALLOTHER | E2144 | E2144 | [{"name": "Joe Knollenberg", "role": "speaking"}] | 152 Cong. Rec. E2144 | Congressional Record, Volume 152 Issue 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006) [Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2144] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] TURKEY ______ HON. JOE KNOLLENBERG of michigan in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I encourage Turkey to honor their commitments and implement important economic, regional, and political advancements in order to gain membership in the European Union (EU). Today, December 6, 2006, marks an important deadline in the pursuit of international partnership and cooperation. Turkey must begin to demonstrate to the EU and the international community that it is willing to implement changes in its policy prior to the Ascension Summit, where it will be decided whether Turkey may continue toward EU membership. The significance of this deadline is undeniable; Turkey must decide: do they continue to pursue a policy which alienates and impedes other nations? Or, do they adopt policy changes to join an important international cooperative body. It is a well-known fact the regional policies of Turkey cause strain in the South Caucasus region and unfairly harms the welfare of their neighbor country, Armenia. The European Union has repeatedly called for the cessation of the Turkish Blockade of Armenia as well as normalization of relations between the countries. However, these two pre-conditions to entering the EU have been blatantly ignored by Turkey. The blockade, now in its thirteenth year, is the only blockade of a fellow Council of Europe state. This is simply unacceptable, and I implore the EU to stand firm in their recommendations to Turkey in order to ensure these iniquitous economic practices are eliminated. Mr. Speaker, Armenia is a friend of the United States; and too many countries throughout the world. Yet, Turkey refuses to see the benefits Armenia brings to the South Caucasus region. This refusal has led to fierce tension within the region, as well as unfair economic outcomes that only harm Armenia. Before Turkey can become a member of the European Union, they must first acknowledge their mistakes, foster cooperation in the South Caucasus region, and respect their neighbor, Armenia. I encourage the European Parliament to consider the ramifications of Turkey's actions before granting them membership to the EU. The purpose of the EU is to create economic, political and most importantly regional cooperation between nations with similar interests. Turkey, with a history of bullying their neighbor, does not deserve membership until they change their ways. ____________________ |