TURKISH FM: WE ARE VERY MUCH AWARE OF THE PRINCIPLES OF THE EU

TREND, Azerbaijan
Oct 17 2006

(ZAMAN) – After the EU-Turkey Ministerial Troika meeting, Turkish
Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul and European Commissioner responsible
for enlargement Olli Rehn on Monday held a joint press conference
in Luxembourg. Two mentioned about what Turkey was doing in terms of
adopting the acquits, reports Trend.

Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul stating that they had talked
about what Turkey was doing in terms of adopting the acquits said, We
have explained into details some of our reforms. There are important
developments taking place in Turkey. We are on the other hand aware
of our shortcomings but what is important is that our government has
the will to overcome these shortcomings. This is what we are working
on. We are very much aware of the principles of the EU to which we
would like to accede. Therefore we are working very hard to carry
on with the reforms. We are aware that these political reforms are
also important for Turkish people. Democratization, transparency or
freedom of expression is things that our people want, irrespective
of EU’s accession.

European Commissioner responsible for enlargement Olli Rehn speaking
after Gul said, I highly appreciated the professionalism of the
Turkish negotiating team. The screening meetings were completed
last Friday. It took one year to complete the screening and I am
very glad that we could achieve this result. However, the accession
negotiations are not only a technical exercise but a political
process. Therefore progress in the negotiations depends first and
foremost on the reforms enhancing the rule of law and fundamental
freedom in Turkey. I welcome the fact that the Turkish Assembly is
currently discussing the so-called reform package which included a
number of important laws. I trust that there will be concrete results
before our regular report is published on 8 Nov.

Abdullah Gul mentioning about French bill related to Armenian
genocide said, I would like to express our regret at seeing the
French Parliament make that decision. This has affected negatively
the prestige of France as a country where all thoughts or opinions
can be freely expressed.

We hope that French State will take ht necessary measures and prevent
this legislation from being made into law, that it will not take this
mistake to the end, Gul added.