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David Cameron backs Turkey for EU
DAVID Cameron has criticised France and other nations blocking Turkey's membership of the European Union, saying Britain knows what it feels like to be "shut out of the club".
The British Prime Minister, who arrived in Ankara for talks yesterday, was to give a speech declaring his anger that Turkey is being denied access, and promising to be the country's "strongest possible advocate".
In a reminder that France once rejected Britain's application, he quoted General Charles de Gaulle's description of Britain as "not European". In a message to Germany, the other key opponent of membership -- which has only a limited presence in Afghanistan -- he pointed to Turkey's significant contribution there as well as its wider strategic importance.
"When I think about what Turkey has done to defend Europe as a NATO ally, and what Turkey is doing today in Afghanistan alongside our European allies, it makes me angry that your progress towards EU membership can be frustrated in the way it has been," he said.
"It's just wrong to say Turkey can guard the camp but not be allowed to sit inside the tent."
The visit is intended to reassure Turkey that British support remains, despite the change of government.
More pressing than the EU issue is Turkey's strained relations with Israel after the botched raid on ships trying to break the Gaza blockade.
Mr Cameron was expected to urge Turkey not to give up on the friendship.
The Times
David Cameron backs Turkey for EU | The Australian
DAVID Cameron has criticised France and other nations blocking Turkey's membership of the European Union, saying Britain knows what it feels like to be "shut out of the club".
The British Prime Minister, who arrived in Ankara for talks yesterday, was to give a speech declaring his anger that Turkey is being denied access, and promising to be the country's "strongest possible advocate".
In a reminder that France once rejected Britain's application, he quoted General Charles de Gaulle's description of Britain as "not European". In a message to Germany, the other key opponent of membership -- which has only a limited presence in Afghanistan -- he pointed to Turkey's significant contribution there as well as its wider strategic importance.
"When I think about what Turkey has done to defend Europe as a NATO ally, and what Turkey is doing today in Afghanistan alongside our European allies, it makes me angry that your progress towards EU membership can be frustrated in the way it has been," he said.
"It's just wrong to say Turkey can guard the camp but not be allowed to sit inside the tent."
The visit is intended to reassure Turkey that British support remains, despite the change of government.
More pressing than the EU issue is Turkey's strained relations with Israel after the botched raid on ships trying to break the Gaza blockade.
Mr Cameron was expected to urge Turkey not to give up on the friendship.
The Times
David Cameron backs Turkey for EU | The Australian