EU to ask Turkey to adopt a ‘more European Iran policy’

The European Union welcomes Turkey's stabilizing role in the Middle East but feels uneasy with its Iran policy, according to diplomats in Brussels. The 27-member bloc will likely press Turkey to adjust its policy toward Iran with that of the EU policy during the Turkey-EU Troika meeting in Istanbul.

Meeting every six months, the Troika gathers Turkey with current and next term presidents as well as the European Commission where the accession process is reviewed. The Turkish delegation will be led by Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu and chief EU negotiator Egemen Bağış will also accompany him.

Davutoğlu is expected to brief his European colleagues in depth to underscore that the Turkish policy has not deviated but is seeking a new solution to the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogue.

"Turkey plays a key role in a region that is vital for Europe. You should be proud of yourself," Helene Flautre, chairwoman of the delegation to the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee of the European Parliament told Turkish journalists in Brussels.

"But as I said to Davutoğlu, the regime in Iran is not acceptable. They came to power thanks to a disputed election. [Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad] is not eligible to talk to us," Flautre said.

Flautre added, however: "If Turkey is able to play a constructive role to bring a solution to nuclear problem, it is of course important. We have to look at this issue very carefully."

The parliament also discussed “a motion for resolution” on Wednesday to wind up the debate on the European Commission's 2009 Enlargement Strategy Paper. Gabriele Albertini, in this motion on behalf of Committee on Foreign Affairs, called on the Turkish government "to coordinate its foreign policy with the EU in particular regarding Iran."

Turks upset with remarks of Berlin Plus

The motion also highlights an ongoing row between Turkey and the EU over the former’s inclusion to the European Security and Defense Program, or ESDP. Being excluded from the decision-making process of the ESDP, Turkey opposes the EU’s use of NATO assets and capabilities for its own operations. Turkey’s move stems from Greek Cypriot administration’s blockage on Turkey’s participation to the European Defense Agency, or EDA.

In 2002, Turkey and the EU agreed on a document outlining conditions where Turkey would be able to join EU operations, known as the “Berlin Plus” deal.

"The NATO-EU strategic cooperation extending beyond the Berlin Plus arrangements continues to be blocked by Turkey's objection, which has negative consequences for the protection of the EU personnel deployed," read Albertini’s motion that urged Turkey "to set a side those objections as soon as possible."

Ankara has found these remarks to be "the most upsetting and unjust part" because it was expecting Brussels to persuade EU-member Greek Cyprus to drop its veto over Ankara's bid to become an associate member of the EDA. As a key player in NATO, it demands to be consulted more on European security policy for its contributions to EU-led military operations.