WARSAW, Poland, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski says he wants to see Turkey and Ukraine as members of the European Union.
While the country itself has only been an EU member for four months, Kwasniewski told the International Herald Tribune his vision is for a "pluralistic" Europe that would break traditional east-west mentalities.
"Some see Ukraine much more on the side of Russian influence than as a part of a European structure," he said. "In my opinion, an independent Ukraine, and a country with such a deep sense of self identity, is a good partner for Europe."
As an example, Poland had no qualms in joining the U.S.-led war against Iraq, which earned it blistering criticism from France and Germany.
Barring any major setback to planned changes in Turkey, EU leaders are expected to support accession negotiations with Turkey at their December summit meeting in Brussels. The exact date for starting those talks has not yet been set.
