New Anatolian, Turkey
April 14 2006
Meller: Turkey’s membership will bring positive added value to EU
The New Anatolian / Ankara
After pledging to further develop and strengthen bilateral ties with
Turkey, visiting Polish Foreign Minister Stefan Meller yesterday
said, “Turkey’s membership will bring a positive, added value to the
European Union.”
Meller made the remarks at a joint press conference with Turkish
Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul following a meeting in Ankara where
they
Expressing his country’s support for the EU enlargement process,
Meller said, “The members of the bloc expect new political and
cultural values from possible future members.” In accordance with
this goal, besides Turkey’s contributions to the EU, the members
expect Turkish membership will bring with it a positive, added value
since the country has an important position in the region.
“I believe that the criteria applied to Turkey should be the same as
the EU criteria applied to other candidate states,” said the Polish
foreign minister while at the same time underlining the importance of
a complete fulfillment of obligations for Turkey to become a member
of the bloc.
‘Polish stance on Armenia shouldn’t affect relations with Turkey’
Meller stated that Poland’s positive stance towards the Armenians
shouldn’t negatively affect relations with Turkey, referring to the
Polish Parliament’s decision taken in favor of the Armenians over the
controversial “genocide” claims.
The visiting foreign minister denied the recognition of Armenian
genocide claims by the Polish Parliament, saying, “The Parliament
only expressed its view which reflected the atmosphere of that era.”
Meller also stated that Poland used to be composed of different
nations up until the end of 18th century, adding that many
Armenian-origin bureaucrats, soldiers and artists still live in
Poland.
Gul praises strengthening of ties between Turkey-Poland
Foreign Minister Gul, for his part, praised the development and
deepening of bilateral relations especially in the areas of trade,
economy, the defense industry and culture, citing 600 years of ties
between Turkey and Poland.
“The countries are together under NATO’s umbrella and I believe that
Polish support for Turkey’s EU membership will continue,” Gul said.
Meller said that Turkey and Poland are friends and allies in NATO,
adding that his country will never forget Turkey’s support during
Poland’s NATO membership process.
The polish foreign minister also praised the high level of investment
from Turkish businessmen in his country and called on Turkey to
cooperate in joint investment projects in third countries.
Gul: No Turkish mediation in Iranian nuke standoff right now
Asked whether a Turkish official will be asked to be responsible for
bringing Iranian and Western officials towards a diplomatic solution
to Tehran’s nuclear activities, Gul stated that such a role isn’t on
Ankara’s agenda.
Gul also called on all concerned states to contribute to efforts to
finding a diplomatic solution to the issue and to work towards easing
the standoff.