Koc: "Turket cannot forsake democracy"

Speaking to graduating seniors at Koc University yesterday, Koc Holding Chairman Emeritus and Koc University Board of Trustees head Rahmi Koc stressed that democracy is indispensable for Turkey and that no other system is acceptable. Saying that in last year's presidential elections Turkey successfully passed a test of its democracy, he added, "We see the situation of undemocratic countries and the difficulties they suffer. We cannot forsake democracy, and no other system can govern Turkey." Sir Stephen Wall, advisor to former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, touches on Turkey in his new book on British-European Union relations. Predicting that it will take 20 years for Turkey to gain EU membership, Wall says the negotiation process will last for 10 years and the ensuing preparation process another decade. Saying that in evaluating Turkey's membership, one should consider what things will look like 20 years from now, he adds, "A Turkey which meets the EU criteria would make important contributions to the Union." DATE.16-06-08