Turkish foreign minister views ties with US, EU entry, Cyprus issue

Anatolia news agency, Ankara
14 Mar 05

London, 14 March: Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister
Abdullah Gul said on Monday [14 March] that the entry negotiations
with the European Union (EU) would be a test for Turkey’s resistance
and patience, adding: “I believe that Turkey will pass this test
successfully.”

Speaking at a conference at the London School of Economics, Gul, who
is currently paying a four-day official visit to Britain, said: “We
are determined to further improve our bilateral relations with
Britain.” Referring to Turkey-the EU relations, Gul said: “Turkey and
the EU have created a synergy in economy and politics. As a result,
Turkey became an attractive country for European investors. Recently,
diplomatic consultations between Turkey and the EU have
increased. Turkey and the EU have also succeeded in creating a joint
power to overcome problems such as fundamentalism, racism and
anti-Semitism. After the EU decided to open entry talks with Turkey on
3 October, the Turkish government has given priority to the
negotiation process with the EU. Therefore, our reforms will continue
rapidly.” “We are aware that the negotiation process will not be
easy. The negotiation process will be a test for Turkey’s resistance
and patience. I believe that Turkey will pass this test successfully,”
he said.

Referring to the Cyprus issue, Gul said: “Both Turkey and the
[self-declared] Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) have
extended full support to a solution in the island. Turkey’s only
target is to protect rights and security of the Turkish Cypriots. As
you know, Turkish Cypriot people supported United Nations
Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s plan in the referendum on April 24th.
However, the embargoes and isolation imposed on them have still been
continuing.”

“Turkey also holds consultations with Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia
with the aim of providing peace in southern Caucasus. After Israel
withdraws from Gaza, international community will have to expend more
efforts to resolve the economic problems and the issue of security in
the region,” he said.

Upon a question about Turkey-United States relations, Gul said that
the relations had been progressing on the right track. Replying to
another question, Gul said: “There is not any problem about signing of
the protocol about the customs union. However, Turkey’s signing the
protocol will not mean recognition of the Greek Cypriot side. There
are two separate states and two separate nations on the island.”

Upon a question about the events during a demonstration in Istanbul
marking the International Women’s Day, Gul said: “We do not approve
such events. We have launched an investigation into them. Such events
can be experienced anywhere in the world. Turkey has made the
necessary reforms, however, it will take time to remove the problems
in implementation.”

When asked what would happen if the EU Constitution was rejected in
referendums in France and the other countries, Gul said: “It may lead
to a crisis both in the EU and in those countries. Such a crisis can
normally affect Turkey.”