Solana: "Turkey's EU admission is my dream"

If Europe is to become an active global player, it will need Turkey's views and vigor, according to former European Union chief Javier Solana. "Europe is, by definition, culturally diverse, so diversity is the EU's destiny," wrote Solana on CNN's website on Monday, in a column called "Why Turkey must join the European Union" "And, if Europe is to become an active global player, rather than a museum, it needs the fresh perspective and energy of the people of Turkey." He added, "For Europe, the 'Arab Spring' should refocus attention on an issue largely ignored in recent months: the benefits of Turkey's full membership in the European Union. Given the tremendous opportunities present in the current circumstances, the advantages for Europe of Turkey's accession should be obvious." Saying that both sides need each other politically, Solana stressed that Turkey and EU must work together towards "Turkey's admission to the EU. That is my dream, and I will continue to fight to make it a reality."