ROME, JUNE 19, 2005 (Zenit.org).- The latest issue of the review Civiltà Cattolica expressed doubt regarding Turkey’s possible entry into the European Union.
The biweekly review, whose drafts are reviewed by the Vatican Secretariat of State before publication, said its doubt is based on several factors.
«Above all, Turkey has never formed part, geographically or politically, of Europe: The Ottoman Empire subjected some European countries, but it had no part in European culture,» the review stated.
«In fact, Turkey’s relations with Europe have always been of conflict, open or latent, never of belonging,» the review said.
If Turkey were to enter the Union, it would «change the balance,» in particular because it would become the second most populous country of Europe, Civiltà Cattolica contended.
Moreover, «it is difficult to think that Turkey can soon accept, not only with words but also with deeds, the values proper to the European Union, such as Western democracy, respect of the human person, freedom of thought and of religion.»
The review added that Turkey denies full liberty to religions, with the exception of Islam, despite the fact it describes itself as a secular country.
