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Turkish lobby success at Conservative party conference, firm commitment to Turkey's EU aspirations
Editorial
The effervescent Turkish lobby won the hearts of the Tories in Manchester during conference with the traditional Turkish sweet "baklava" to hand and a message that the "Conservative Friends of Turkey" would be pushing for the continued strong support for Turkey's EU membership from the United Kingdom.
The Conservative Friends of Turkey also welcome the recent signing of a protocol between Armenia and Turkey with a statement issued to the London Daily News and said:
"Better ties between Turkey and Armenia could facilitate the role of the Caucasus region as a corridor for Western-bound energy supplies. Armenia would also stand to gain through trade links with Turkey. CFT is pleased that this protocol will help smooth Turkey’s path to EU membership as it solidifies her position as a diplomatic force and gives her further influence in the Caucasus region. CFT supports the ratification of the agreement in the hope that it will bring Turkey and Armenia a step closer to solving the long-standing dispute between them, as well as further recognition for Turkey as a potential EU candidate."
The Cyprus issue was raised as one of the hurdles for Turkey to resolve with renewed efforts from both sides to resolve the decades long problem.
The Conservative Friends of Turkey (CFOT) stand became the focal point for Greek Conservatives who applauded the efforts of the Turkish lobby to garner support at the last party conference before a general election; notably with newly selected Conservative parliamentary candidate Andrew Charalambous becoming a new member of the Conservative Friends of Turkey.
There is hope after all!
photo credit: Conservative Friends of Turkey L-R Mr Cetin, William Hague, Ertan Hurer, Elcin Kurtulus
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