Conflicts between Islamism, secularism and other domestic "isms" far from over in Turkey
"I am not on the EU admission committee, but it seems to me that Turkey is going through another fundamental identity crisis," Van Krikorian, Co-chair of the Turkish Armenian Reconciliation Commission (TARC) said in an interview with PanARMENIAN.Net.
"I know I would be pleased if it emerges as an EU country one in which principles of tolerance are observed. But, we should be aware of the risks if it does not. For example, after the initial outpouring of sympathy following Hrant Dink's assassination, we have seen some ugly developments. The conflicts between Islamism, secularism, and other domestic "isms" are far from over. Turkey's policies with respect to the fluid future of Iraq and other regional developments all have to be taken into account. For those in Turkey and outside, the closer Turkey gets to respecting human rights, religious tolerance, reconciling with its past, and good government, whether that be as an Islamic government or as a member of the EU, the better," he said.
Full text of the interview
"I know I would be pleased if it emerges as an EU country one in which principles of tolerance are observed. But, we should be aware of the risks if it does not. For example, after the initial outpouring of sympathy following Hrant Dink's assassination, we have seen some ugly developments. The conflicts between Islamism, secularism, and other domestic "isms" are far from over. Turkey's policies with respect to the fluid future of Iraq and other regional developments all have to be taken into account. For those in Turkey and outside, the closer Turkey gets to respecting human rights, religious tolerance, reconciling with its past, and good government, whether that be as an Islamic government or as a member of the EU, the better," he said.
