At the recent gathering in Brussels, the 25 EU leaders gave the green light for talks about Turkish accession to the EU to start in October 2005.

In an English Sunday paper, there was a piece of news about the Turkish Prime Minister’s return to Ankara after the EU summit. He was given a hero’s welcome, which was not the case in some of Europe’s capitals. In fact some are going to hold a referendum about Turkey’s accession.

Turkey is a Muslim country – perhaps not as fanatical as some, but still Muslim. I personally would be much happier if there was some special relationship between the EU and Turkey rather than full membership, although if does come, it will not be for another 15 or 17 years.

Turkish culture is very different to that which other European countries share, and it is more likely that Europe’s culture will change than Turkey’s. I am not after any changes from any side, but Turkey’s membership will have an effect Europe’s cultures.

Europe’s governments are not happy to conserve the Christian culture; in fact we are seeing crucifixes being pulled down to appease the very strong minorities of Muslims in their country. In an educational supplement of The Times of London, it was reported that this year Christmas carols and plays about Christmas were banned from schools so as not to offend other religions.

When Malta was going to join the EU, there were strong declarations that workers from Europe would invade Malta. It did not happen, and it never will, but Turkish workers will invade Europe. They will for a better lifestyle in Germany, France and other countries.

That will erode the host nation’s culture. I am all for Europe giving Turkey special arrangements such as a common market to trade with EU countries, security and financial help, but no uncontrolled

freedom of movement should be given.

We are in the EU now. Is our government going to hold a referendum to see if the people will endorse the accession of Turkey? Again, we have already lost our values, or most of them in my opinion, but let us do our utmost to at least keep our culture – our Christian culture.

In this letter I want to kill two birds with one stone; recently the government received a report on abortion from the United Nations. Our government should send it back with a note saying that killing somebody is murder, even with the permission of the UN.

Joseph Muscat

MOSTA