A chara - Despite the reservations expressed by many well-meaning people about Turkey's dubious human rights record and its appalling treatment of the Kurds, I believe every effort should be made to ensure that its application for EU membership is eventually successful.
This is not to condone in any way the excesses of its internal or external policies but rather to suggest that a greater prize would be won if it were admitted to the EU with certain safeguards. That these are attainable is shown by the Turkish government's reversal of a proposal, promoted by Islamic fundamentalists, to criminalise adultery.
This was a victory for personal freedom and a clear signal that the present leadership is ready to reject the extremism which has no place in a modern democracy.
With an overwhelmingly Muslim population, Turkey's transformation to a modern democracy was never going to be easy, but if the country can develop a relationship with the EU with consequent economic benefits it will set down a very valuable marker for all Muslim countries and especially Turkey's nearest neighbours. - Is mise,
SEAN O'MORAIN, Parc Sutton, Báile Átha Cliath 13.