Turkish Press
June 2 2005
Tuzmen: We Are Trying All Diplomatic Means To Change Russia’s
Decision On Suspending Imports Of Fresh Fruits And Vegetables From
Turkey
KISHINEV (AA) – Turkish State Minister Kursad Tuzmen has indicated
today (Thursday) that his administration is trying all diplomatic
means to change Russia’s decision on suspending imports of fresh
fruits and vegetables from Turkey.
Tuzmen told reporters that Russia’s decision to suspend imports of
fresh fruits and vegetables from Turkey is not a new one. “For the
past five years, we have been sending plant health certificates to
the Russian Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs,” noted Tuzmen.
“Identical cases in the past were overcome by diplomatic initiatives
and personal contacts in Russia. Apparently, the Russians had been
waiting for a reply to their request for information for the past
seven months. As the Russians could not get an appropriate response
from Turkey, they decided to stop importing fresh fruits and vegetables
from Turkey,” commented Tuzmen.
“We are working on resolving the fresh fruits and vegetables matter
as soon as possible. The Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Affairs is doing all it can to find a solution. It is unfair for
Russia to stop all fruits and vegetables imports from Turkey due
to presence of the Mediterranean fruitfly (Ceratitis Capitata Wied)
larvae,” expressed Tuzmen.
According to Tuzmen, the 25-member European Union will discuss the
quality and the numbers of the EU soon. “Some nations have joined the
EU without making some standards real. In the near future, the European
Economic Community will receive attention once more,” stated Tuzmen.
-PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE BUREAUCRACY IN BRUSSELS-
Tuzmen mentioned that an empire of bureaucracy has begun to be
established in Brussels. “More and more, the people of Europe are
complaining about the slowness in Brussels in making decisions.
People in Europe have doubts that Brussels is the best place for the
decisions pertaining to their individual states,” said Tuzmen.
Tuzmen expressed that the referenda in France and the Netherlands are
internal matters of these countries. “The referenda were on the EU
Constitution and have nothing to do with Turkey’s EU membership. Entry
negotiations of Turkey will begin on October 3rd, 2005 as scheduled,”
told Tuzmen.
Tuzmen indicated that Turkey’s overall trade volume in 2005 will
reach 180 billion USD. “Out of 180 billion USD, 90 billion USD of
trade will be conducted with the EU,” declared Tuzmen.
-CHAOS IN IRAQ WILL NOT BE OVER SOON-
In reference to Iraq, Tuzmen pointed out that some forces want to
make Iraq a second Lebanon near Turkey. “The chaos in Iraq will not
be over soon. Despite the tense situation in Iraq, our trade volume
with Iraq will be around 2.5 billion USD, instead of preliminary
expectation of 1.8 billion USD,” remarked Tuzmen.
Tuzmen reminded reporters that, during the deportation of Armenians
in eastern Anatolia in the beginning of last century, there were
two ministers of Armenian heritage in the government of the Ottoman
Empire. “These ministers continued to serve in the government even
after the deportation and re-location of the Armenians of east
Anatolia. History must be examined with an objective view. Armenia
must remove certain parts of its constitution that cause a matter of
deep concerns to Turkey. Turkey, in its history, has done nothing to
feel sorry or regret,” added Tuzmen.
(SOL-MS)