Turkish foreign minister denies rift with EU over Customs Union protocol

Anatolia news agency
31 Mar 05

Ankara, 31 March: Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister
Abdullah Gul said on Thursday [31 March] that there is no difference
of opinion between Turkey and the European Union on the subject of
Customs Union Additional Protocol. “The problem arose due to the
improper translation of diplomatic terms and words in the media.”

Minister Gul held a press conference with the visiting Foreign
Minister of Congo Rodolphe Adada.

Asked by a journalist if there is a difference of opinion between
Turkey and the EU on whether the Turkish sea and airports would be
included in the Customs Union Additional Protocol or not, Gul replied
that there is no such disagreement. “If one looks at the statements
issued by EU officials, the absence of a disagreement would be clearly
understood.”

In response to a question if there is any connection between US
demands to utilize the Incirlik [southern Turkey] air base and the
possibility of a new resolution at the US Congress on the so-called
Armenian genocide, Gul answered that these topics have no direct
relationship. “I have elaborated on Incirlik in the recent
past. Certain demands for cooperation do exist. Yet these are not well
portrayed in the media. We are currently thinking on this topic and
will evaluate the matter.

“The Armenian issue is a totally separate issue. This is not the way
allies discuss issues. The topic of Armenians is known very well by
former US Governments and that of President Bush. We are very hopeful
that when the right time arrives the American Administration will
demonstrate the essential sensitivity. Therefore, it would be
incorrect to say that such topics are a matter of bargaining. Our
government is working carefully on certain technical subjects and the
issue will come to a conclusion soon.”

Meanwhile, Gul expressed happiness over seeing the Foreign Minister of
Congo Adada in Ankara.

Gul stressed that Adada and he discussed possible ways to develop
trade between the two countries. “The agreement on economic and
technical cooperation between Turkey and Congo has been ratified at
the Turkish parliament. The Turkish Cooperation and Development Agency
(TIKA) is very active in Africa. TIKA will soon open an office in
western Africa.”

Minister Adada indicated that Turkey is a big and very important
country for Congo. “Businessmen and businesswomen in both countries
must explore ways for mutual investments. Spreading peace and
democracy in the African continent is quiet important for Congo. Our
government is doing all it can to maintain and keep peace.”