Defence without Turkey

Turkey softens its stance on European Security and Defence Identity ahead of Helsinki Summit


At the Western European Union Ministers' Council meeting here, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem sent an unusually "moderate" message concerning European Security and Defence Identity. There are plans to integrate the Council in the European Union in three years' time.
"The more we exist in the decision - making body of the defence identity, the more we will contribute".
Turkey's toned - down stance attracted attention after NATO summit in Washington in which Ankara took a tough stance and expressed possibility of switching on the "veto mechanism".

Internal affair of EU

Mr. Cem defined the security identity as a formation that proceeds excluding Turkey and said: "This is an internal affair of the European Union. We approach this formation with good will. The more we are included in this, the more we will contribute".