Islamist Turkey will have to forget the EU
"I am a devout Catholic. However, I do not let religion interfere with politics. I understand the fear in some Turks' hearts. If Turkey wants to be a part of Europe, state and religion should be separate," PACE President Rene van der Linden said
"If Turkey inclines towards becoming an Islamic state, EU membership will be a dream," he said.
He made four significant warnings in a period when the debates on both the headscarf and secularism are already hot.
"First, if Turkey is inclined to be an Islamic state, forget the EU. Second, if the change in the constitution is not compatible with the European Agreement, we will take it under investigation at the Venice Commission. Third, those that feel subject to pressure to wear a headscarf should apply to the European Court of Human Rights. Fourth, Universities objecting to the ban on wearing headscarves can also apply to the European Court of Human Rights," he said in an interview with Sabah newspaper.
"If Turkey inclines towards becoming an Islamic state, EU membership will be a dream," he said.
He made four significant warnings in a period when the debates on both the headscarf and secularism are already hot.
"First, if Turkey is inclined to be an Islamic state, forget the EU. Second, if the change in the constitution is not compatible with the European Agreement, we will take it under investigation at the Venice Commission. Third, those that feel subject to pressure to wear a headscarf should apply to the European Court of Human Rights. Fourth, Universities objecting to the ban on wearing headscarves can also apply to the European Court of Human Rights," he said in an interview with Sabah newspaper.
