Hans Rustad Utenriksminister Jack Straw holdt en tale i København denne uken der han gikk meget langt i å grunngi tyrkisk EU-medlemskap med at også islam er forenlig med demokrati og et liberalt samfunn.
Noen vil kanskje si at Straw gikk vel langt.
In a speech in Copenhagen, Mr Straw argued that liberal, pluralist democracy, the rule of law and human rights are universal values consistent with Islam and not only confined to the Judaeo-Christian tradition.
He went on to insist that European civilisation had not developed in isolation from the Muslim world but was rather deeply indebted to it, both historically and currently.
«If we believe, as I strongly do, that Europe’s strength lies not in a Judaeo-Christian club but in a diversity of traditions underpinned by common and universal values, then we must fulfil our engagements to Turkey,» he said.
«We have recognised Turkey as a candidate for membership. Now we must be clear that Turkey be treated as any other EU candidate, without fear or favour.
«So I hope that, provided Turkey meets the Copenhagen criteria, the European Council this December can deliver a clear commitment to Turkey on opening negotiations for EU membership.»
