-The aim of this paper is not to go into the details of the historical background of Turkey's relations with other European countries or participation in various organisations. However, a few highlights may be appropriate as an introduction. An English Quaker, William Penn, published a book in 1693 which was entitled "An Essay Toward the Present and Future Peace of Europe" where he proposed the gathering of a sovereign European "Diet" or "Imperial". Penn noted that there would be 90 seats in this "Common Assembly" and allocated them among the prospective member Stfites: Germany 12, France and Spain 10, Italy 8, England 6, etc. Penn added that Turkey, if it wished, could join in this new organisation with 10 seats. What is important in this project is that it was made in the heyday of the Ottoman Empire by a Christian religious leader underlying the fact that a European organisation cannot be envisaged without the participation of Turkey. He may have been so disappointed with.the subsequent events that he crossed the ocean and established the state of Pennsylvania. (On the other hand, some sources claim that Penn had a precondition for Turkish entry : Converting from Islam to Christianity. Although I have been unable to verify that claim, if that is true, then the Christian Democratic Parties of Europe (EPP), after their Brussels Summit in March 1997, rejecting Turkey's accession on grounds of religion followed up the same line.)

The aim of this paper is not to go into the details of the historical background of Turkey's relations with other European countries or participation in various organisations. However, a few highlights may be appropriate as an introduction. An English Quaker, William Penn, published a book in 1693 which was entitled "An Essay Toward the Present and Future Peace of Europe" where he proposed the gathering of a sovereign European "Diet" or "Imperial". Penn noted that there would be 90 seats in this "Common Assembly" and allocated them among the prospective member Stfites: Germany 12, France and Spain 10, Italy 8, England 6, etc. Penn added that Turkey, if it wished, could join in this new organisation with 10 seats. What is important in this project is that it was made in the heyday of the Ottoman Empire by a Christian religious leader underlying the fact that a European organisation cannot be envisaged without the participation of Turkey. He may have been so disappointed with.the subsequent events that he crossed the ocean and established the state of Pennsylvania. (On the other hand, some sources claim that Penn had a precondition for Turkish entry : Converting from Islam to Christianity. Although I have been unable to verify that claim, if that is true, then the Christian Democratic Parties of Europe (EPP), after their Brussels Summit in March 1997, rejecting Turkey's accession on grounds of religion followed up the same line.)