Gülen's Message to European Union
Today is a crucially important day for the future of our country, Europe, the Islamic world and the world at large. Because as Turkey's membership in the European Union (EU) will change the nature of this Union; it will also enable a strong and influential power to emerge in the historic European stage. An Islamic country will be a fundamental element of a Union that consists of Christian countries. A rendezvous of cultures and civilizations will be realized.
This rendezvous will affect Turkey, the Turkic world, Middle East and Eurasia. This is a new era in the history of mankind and the beginning of a new season.
Of course, it will come face to face with reservations, concerns, debates and accusations in such a humongous project. In fact, these are the experiences public opinions in our country and Europe in particular, narrate.
The opinions of leaders that influence the historic turning points of a society are of great importance. Today, public opinion and civil society movements, that influence it, are extremely determinative in administrative decisions. In Turkey, the most widespread and influential civil society movement at present is the Fethullah Gülen movement. Even during periods when Gülen was subjected to planned attacks carried out by certain circles, it was observed that he had 85 percent of public support.
The most disturbing characteristic of this movement, for the opponents, is its dynamism and action. Putting its theory into practice, embracing the entire society, awakening new hopes and excitements with fresh unity breath, solidarity, service, education, media, dialogue and tolerance have begun to attract the world's attention. Of course, for Turkey's EU bid, the support, judgment and stance of this movement, with its unique examples, are of paramount importance.
As the honorary president of the Journalist and Writers Foundation, the esteemed Gülen having the urge to send a message to the Abant Platform meeting that was held on December 3-4 at the European Parliament in Brussels, and the points he underlined in his message, have criteria quality.
Gülen underlines four important points:
1) Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, at the critical and historic turning point in the beginning of the 20th century, stood by the Republic as the statement of the people's choice. The "contemporary civilization" goal that Ataturk pointed to has reached a new horizon with the European Union. Our national existence has maintained its 85-year line without any deviation.
2) The EU membership objective is a state policy. EU reforms were initiated by the former governments and reached the climax with today's government. The efforts exerted by every establishment and foundation should be mentioned with praises.
3) In spite of claims that the Turkish Armed Forces would constitute an obstacle to EU membership, their historic role and support, in particular, should not be forgotten.
4) Turkey's EU membership will strengthen its role beyond imagination as an "Island of Peace" in the heart of Europe. A Turkey that joins the EU will also successfully accomplish its function of being a bridge between the Islamic world and the West. With this consciousness, the EU is expected to reach a decision to consolidate Turkey's position in Europe at today's summit.
As seen, Mr. Gülen with this message also recommends two great peace plans: The state-nation and inter-civilization peace plans. Gülen's approval of our EU membership will be understood better in the future.
ZAMAN
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