New York, N.Y., November 15, 2002 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today called on European Commission President Romano Prodi to evaluate Turkey’s application for admission to the European Union without prejudice to religion, ethnicity or identity and with “fair consideration.” League leaders also welcomed remarks from EU Secretary General Javier Solana, who said Turkey’s candidacy was a positive measure for both Turkey and Europe.

In a letter to President Prodi, Glen A. Tobias, ADL National Chairman and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, said:

We are writing regarding the offensive comments made by Valéry Giscard d’Estaing regarding Turkey’s suitability as a member of the European Union, saying in an interview, that should Turkey be accepted, “In my opinion, that would be the end of Europe.”

We are well aware that Turkey is deeply engaged in the prescribed process involved in gaining membership in the European Union.  Throughout this process, many in Turkey have developed the impression that EU membership remains out of its grasp due to anti-Muslim predilections by EU member states.  The comments of Mr. Giscard d’Estaing, who as head of the European Convention on the Future of Europe, only confirms the impression that opposition to Turkey’s candidacy has more to do with prejudice than with policy differences.

We appreciate the comments by EU officials, including Secretary General Javier Solana, welcoming Turkey’s candidacy as positive for both Turkey and Europe.  We hope that you will work to ensure that all candidates for EU membership receive fair consideration, and that any appearance of bias underlying opposition to any candidate’s membership, be firmly rejected. 

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.