Sweden's Bildt: "If Cyprus is part of Europe, so too is Turkey"

Carl Bildt, the foreign minister of outgoing EU Term President Sweden, yesterday gave a geography lesson to those who question Turkey's European identity. During a meeting of the European Parliament evaluating Sweden's six-month EU term presidency, which ends on Dec. 31, Bildt cited Turkey among the countries of southeastern European. This drew a rebuke from a Belgian parliamentarian, who claimed that Turkey isn't in Europe but instead is part of Asia Minor. In response, Bildt asked, "Turkey is located in Asia, but [EU member] Cyprus is in Europe, is that right?" He added, "I thought that Cyprus lies to the east of many parts of Turkey. But I'd better check my map. International organizations call both Turkey and Cyprus part of Europe. I don't see any problems with using this definition." Bildt also defended Turkey's policy of fostering relations with neighboring countries, saying it suits Turkey's identity. "Like any other European country, Turkey can also pursue a foreign policy in line with its history and interests." Bildt voiced support for Turkey's efforts to improve bilateral ties with Iran, saying, "If these two countries came into conflict with each other in northern Iraq, there would never be peace in Mesopotamia." Bildt's words came as EU heads of state and government convened in Brussels to discuss Turkey's refusal to open its ports and airports to Greek Cypriot vessels, among other issues. EU leaders are expected to renew their call to Turkey to immediately reverse this decision. Turkey refuses to do so due to the EU's failure to keep its promise to ease the isolation of Turkish Cyprus.