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Public scepticism, press support
French newspaper Le Figaro publishes an opinion poll
which finds that only in Spain are the majority of
people in favour of Turkish EU membership.
In France, Germany, Italy and Britain there is
notable scepticism, with the French - at 67% opposed
- being the least enamoured with the idea.
"It is clear," the paper argues, "that the public
are dissociating themselves from their leaders'
overwhelming support for negotiations".
But an opinion column in the leading French daily Le
Monde goes against the public trend, arguing that
Turkey's entry into Europe is indispensable.
"An attempt to change our relationship with the
Muslim world," it believes, "can only be achieved
through a Turkey which is already a living
compromise between secularism and Islam, and whose
very existence proves that there are alternatives to
mutual destruction".
"We have to say out loud," the paper continues,
"that Europe must become a leading protagonist in
world affairs... and that Turkey's membership of the
European Union is essential" to achieve this.
An editorial in Spain's El Pais backs up the opinion
poll's finding of Spanish support for Turkish EU
membership.
While it notes that "resistance has been increasing
swiftly of late", the paper says "a go-ahead will
push the Turks towards greater democracy, efficiency
and development."
"A red light," it warns, "would create a grave
political and cultural schism most damaging to both
sides".
The European press review is compiled by BBC
Monitoring
http://www.bbc.co.uk
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