Turks Want to Be Seen as Equals

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/02/opinion/turks-want-to-be-seen-as-equals.html

Version 0 of 1.

To the Editor:

Re “E.U. Visa Deal With Turkey Draws Growing Criticism” (April 22): You seem to share the view of Bodil Valero, the Swedish member of the European Parliament, that there needs to be assurances that minority groups in Turkey are safe before granting more concessions.

I am of Greek descent, born in Istanbul and have lived in Greece for more than 30 years. Keeping E.U. borders closed to Turkish citizens by requiring visas has the opposite effect of what supporters claim. Democratic sensitivity in Turkey is fast expanding. This must not be discouraged.

Keeping the European Union’s doors fully open will help keep the dialogue open between Turks and Europeans, further strengthening Turkish people’s respect for democracy. The Turks do not want to flood Europe. They want to be respected as equal. They want to benefit from Europe’s culture and to contribute, and they deserve this.

ILIAS GEORGIADIS

Athens