BABACAN MEETS EUROPEAN COMMISSION VICE PRESIDENT FRATTINI

Turkish Press
Oct 25 2006

BRUSSELS – Turkish State Minister & Chief Negotiator for EU talks
Ali Babacan met European Commission Vice President Franco Frattini
for Justice, Freedom and Security in Brussels on Thursday.

Speaking to Turkish reporters, Babacan said that French parliament’s
decision on adoption of a bill on criminalizing denial of so-called
Armenian genocide was a concerning development regarding the future
of the EU, noting that this decision would make a negative impact on
(Turkish people’s) senses on EU.

"It is not reasonable to respond to France’s mistakes by making
mistakes. We will keep fulfilling reforms," Babacan stressed.

Replying to questions on Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK),
Babacan noted that technical works on this matter were under way. "We
will monitor its implementation. There can be amendments on any law.

However developments in France will make difficult initiatives on
the matter," he said.

Responding to a question on Turkey’s attitude in regard to the decision
of France, Babacan said that the government has not made a decision
on the matter yet, underlining that this issue would be discussed in
the first meeting of the Council of Ministers.

Noting that European Commission’s reaction to the decision of France
was a very important development, he stressed, "we consider the
commission’s attitude positive and sound."

"We are continuing legal arrangements on EU adjustment laws. Turkish
Parliamentary General Assembly will debate the law on foundations
next week," Babacan said upon a question.

He noted, "now Turkey aims to be a full member of the EU."

Stating that he held very fruitful meetings in Brussels, Babacan
indicated that there could be progress regarding visa procedure for
Turkish businessmen, students and academicians.

In regard to prominent Turkish novelist Orhan Pamuk, who won the 2006
Nobel Prize for literature, Babacan stated, "it is a very important
development."