Doğan Tılıç of the Association of European Journalists, in opening the panel, said Greece, Portugal, and Spain were specifically chosen for the discussion because of the similar pattern they went through during their membership negotiations.

Ambassadors at Bilkent

According to Jesus Atienza, the ambassador of Spain, the main factor for Spain to be accepted was that the Spaniards have always been aware of the necessity of political, social, and cultural, and not just economic, integration with Europe. He stated that once they joined the union, they had new rules to follow, a new sense of purpose, and a new image. Despite the long negotiations and all the setbacks, acceptance was worth all the effort. "Because," he said, "the EU can be without Spain, but Spain cannot be without the EU!"

Jose Vilela, the ambassador of Portugal, remarked that one of the most important conditions for Portugal's membership was the rapid demilitarization of politics.

According to him, national sovereignty, an issue about which Turkish politicians have expressed concerns, is actually protected better with European Union support. Spain, which was a threat to the Portuguese for centuries, suddenly became a partner through the EU. He advised Turkey to be careful during preparations if it wants to become a member.

Ioannis Corantis, the ambassador of Greece, mentioned that he had originally doubted the usefulness of membership in the European Union. However, after a "painful and exhausting" period of 5 years, Greece increased and benefited from relations and connections with Europe. Corantis added that Turkey should study, evaluate, and avoid the mistakes that Greece made in becoming a member. He remarked that 90 percent of Greek citizens are for Turkey's membership in the European Union and he wished luck to Turkey.

At the end of the panel, all three ambassadors concluded that Turkey has no choice but to work hard to meet the criteria of the European Union for membership.