To the Editor:

William Safire (column, Feb. 4) says that Turkey has been ''unfairly kept out of the European Union by Germany and Greece.'' It is perplexing to find blame assigned to foreign governments for Turkey's inability to qualify for membership in the European Union. The European Union has specific criteria for membership, and until Turkey rectifies many of the circumstances that have hindered its accession, it will remain knocking at Europe's door.

Turkey's military repeatedly tramples democratic processes, its Government frequently bans political parties and jails academics and journalists, its security authorities use excessive force, and religious tolerance is nearly nonexistent.

These are not mere democratic imperfections but indications that the Turkish Government lacks a serious respect for democracy, individual rights and the value of a free society.

ELAINE M. PAPOULIAS

Winthrop, Mass., Feb. 4, 1999