“Turkey still seeks EU entry,” headlines the Times, following an interview with President Abdullah Gül, who insists that Turkey has not turned its back on the West. “Turkey is part of Europe,” he said, arguing that the US and Europe should welcome its growing engagement in the Middle East, promoting Western values in a region largely governed by authoritarian regimes. Mr Gül also rebuked some Western politicians for “their outdated views of Turkey”, pointing out that his country was a big economic power that embraced democracy, human rights and the free market. “If this is not acknowledged, it’s a pity,” Mr Gül lamented.
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