C O N F I D E N T I A L VATICAN 003196
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR EUR/WE: LEVIN; EUR/SE; EUR/ERA
EO 12958 DECL: 08/18/2014
TAGS EU, PHUM, PREL, SOCI, TU, VT
SUBJECT: VATICAN STILL OPEN TO TURKEY'S EU BID
REF: A. 03 VATICAN 1164
B. 03 VATICAN 5666 C. 03 VATICAN 5748
Classified By: Charge d'affaires D. Brent Hardt. Reasons 1.5 (b) and ( d).
Summary
1. (C) Acting Holy See Foreign Minister Parolin reaffirmed August 18 that the Holy See remained open to Turkish EU membership, notwithstanding recent critical comments by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. Parolin emphasized that the Holy See's position on Turkish membership in the EU had not changed from the stance it has described to us in the past (ref a). If Turkey meets the EU's Copenhagen criteria, Parolin said, the Vatican sees "no obstacle" to EU membership. He clarified that Ratzinger's skeptical view of EU membership for Turkey reflected the Cardinal's "personal feeling," and did not reflect the view of the Holy See. Parolin acknowledged that some within the Holy See harbored concerns about Turkey's EU bid and its potential impact on the EU, but maintained that he believed these concerns could be addressed over time, and would not represent insurmountable obstacles. He acknowledged that Ratzinger's statement was incorrectly seen as a Vatican position, and indicated a willingness to consider clarifying its formal position pending discussions with the Turkish Ambassador -- who had yet to raise the issue -- and with FM Lajolo on his return to Rome later this month. End Summary.
Holy See Still Open to Turkish EU Membership
2. (C) Acting Vatican Foreign Minister equivalent Monsignor Pietro Parolin told Charge August 18 that the Holy See remained open to Turkish EU membership. He affirmed that recent negative comments about Turkey's EU bid by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger did not reflect any change in the Holy See's formal position. That position remained that, if Turkey fully meets the EU's Copenhagen criteria, the Vatican sees "no obstacle" to EU membership. Parolin made it clear that Ratzinger's take on the issue was his own, and that he was not speaking on behalf of the Holy See. "These were his personal feelings," Parolin added. "Although he is an important member of the Curia, he does not speak for the Secretariat of State."
2. (C) Acting Vatican Foreign Minister equivalent Monsignor Pietro Parolin told Charge August 18 that the Holy See remained open to Turkish EU membership. He affirmed that recent negative comments about Turkey's EU bid by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger did not reflect any change in the Holy See's formal position. That position remained that, if Turkey fully meets the EU's Copenhagen criteria, the Vatican sees "no obstacle" to EU membership. Parolin made it clear that Ratzinger's take on the issue was his own, and that he was not speaking on behalf of the Holy See. "These were his personal feelings," Parolin added. "Although he is an important member of the Curia, he does not speak for the Secretariat of State."
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