KRETSCHMER REPLIES TO BUYUKANIT’S CRITICISMS

Zaman, Turkey
Oct 3 2006

The European Commission Turkey Representative, Hansjorg Kretschmer,
said the relationship between the army and civilian authorities in
Turkey is important, and that his previous criticism that "army and
civilian administration should be detached" was a friendly one.

Kretschmer stated that Turkey, in the EU membership process, should
solve this problem and said he believes Turkey will fully fulfill
criteria and become an EU member.

Kretschmer also emphasized there is no criteria for Turkey to recognize
the so-called Armenian genocide.

Live on Turkey’s NTV, Kretschmer answered questions on Turkey’s
membership in the EU.

Stating Turkey should settle the issues of human rights, freedoms,
democracy and independent judiciary, Kretschmer said they believe
Turkey will fulfill the determined criteria and become an EU member
if it maintains stability.

When asked a question on whether the army’s attitude will affect
Turkey’s membership or not, Kretschmer said the relationship between
the army and civilian administration is important and this problem
should be solved in the process of accession talks with the EU.

Another question touched on whether allegations of the Armenian
genocide will affect Turkey’s membership or not, to which Kretschmer
replied this issue is not an EU accession criteria. Stating the
negotiation process is a political process, not a technical one,
Kretschmer said the accession agreement will be signed when criteria
are fulfilled, and other EU member countries will discuss this issue.

Kretschmer added that some EU member countries may oppose Turkey’s
membership.

Upon being reminded that some nationalists in Turkey criticize the EU
for trying to divide the country, Kretschmer said these allegations
are totally untrue. Kretschmer stated the EU’s aim is to support a
peaceful Turkey, and added the basis is always the principles serving
the benefits of member countries.

Concerning the adequacy of the reform packages prepared, Kretschmer
said the government is making stable efforts to proceed with reforms,
and added reforms are extremely important for a positive image
for Turkey.

When asked whether negotiations will halt unless Turkey opens its
ports and airports to the Greek Cypriot part, Kretschmer replied
this question should be addressed to the EU Enlargement Commissioner,
Olli Rehn. Stating there is no threat against Turkey on this issue,
Kretschmer said the25 member countries will make the final decision.