EU SHOULD NOT INTERFERE IN ARMENIA AND TURKEY, SENER

Turkish Press
Oct 4 2006

BRUSSELS – Turkish State Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullatif
Sener warned the EU and some other countries not to interfere in
Turkish-Armenian relations.

Sener is in Belgian capital of Brussels to participate in events
organized by the Turkish Industrialists` & Businessmen`s Association
(TUSIAD) and European Policy Center to mark the first anniversary of
the start of Turkey-EU negotiations.

In an exclusive interview with the A.A correspondent, Sener referred
to French President Jacques Chirac`s remarks about the so-called
Armenian genocide allegations, and said, "Chirac said that recognition
of so-called Armenian genocide should be a pre-condition before
Turkey`s EU membership. A resolution is being discussed in France,
and it foresees fine and imprisonment for those who deny Armenian
genocide. It is not possible to accept such an attitude. This is
against the cultural atmosphere the EU is trying to create."

"Armenia is not a European country, it is an Asian country. So, it is
a third country for the EU. So, it is meaningless to bring this matter
up within the scope of Turkey`s EU membership process," he stated.

Sener added, "whether it is an EU member or another country, everybody
who is affecting the Armenian policy from outside should give up
his endeavors.

Chirac`s remarks are not sincere, they aim to affect the domestic
policy."

-CYPRUS PROBLEM-

On Cyprus problem, Sener said that the plan which was prepared by EU
Acting President Finland and envisions opening of Maras and Magosa
port, is being examined and assessed.

"Let`s see Cyprus as a whole, let`s review ports issue together with
the embargoes on TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus). Let`s make
a positive progress in both of these matters. These are proposals made
by Turkey. And, it is the Greek Cypriot administration who resists. If
the EU gives up standing behind every demand of the Greek Cypriot
administration, they may have to reach compromise and try to resolve
the problem," he added.