ANKARA - Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said on Sunday that Turkey would improve political and economic relations with all its neighbors without making discrimination.
Gul, who addressed the Diplomacy Journalists Association General Assembly, made evaluations regarded with foreign policy.
Stating that Turkey was a country which may make very big services to the world peace, Gul said, ''we want to show that a Moslem country may be together with open, transparent, democrat and modern world.''
Gul said Turkey attributed importance to relations with its neighbors, noting that, ''contributing to tranquility, stability and peace in the region is before all is for our own interest.''
Pointing out that Turkey targeted to improve its political and economic relations with all its neighbors without making discrimination, Gul said, ''we have positive relations with all our neighbors extend from Russia to Syria and Iran to Greece. We will be in an effort to further improve relations.''
Gul said, ''obviously the most important item on Turkey's agenda is the European Union (EU),'' and pointed out that 2004 was a critical period in this respect.
Gul said Turkey should be ready to start negotiations at the end of 2004, adding that, ''there is not an obligation that Turkey will start negotiations with the EU at the end of 2004.''
Gul said they would do their best to make 2003 Progress Report to be positive, noting that Turkey wanted to take an important step in relations with the EU prior to the 2004 European Parliament elections.
Stating that third reform package was ready within this scope, and that it would be submitted to the parliament in the coming days, Gul said foreign ministers of EU member and candidate countries will convene in Kas township next week.
Pointing out that Turkey's importance increased particularly under the light of the recent developments, Gul said, ''the EU will complete itself with Turkey. A big Europe will take place with Turkey's accession to the EU.''
Speaking about Cyprus, Gul recalled their policy that they did not consider insolubility as solution, and noted that, ''we wish a lasting solution in Cyprus and we exert efforts in this respect.''
Gul expressed belief that negotiations will resume in the coming months, stating that attitude of the TRNC to allow passages from the border was a very important step, and that they considered it as a confidence building element.
Foreign Minister Gul stated that both sides should exert efforts pertaining to the peace process, adding that Greek Cypriot side took a step toward the EU, yet that they have one year time to be a full member.
Gul said, ''the EU accepted a controversial country. The EU feels uneasy over this, and this injured the EU. To this end, the EU will be in an extraordinary effort.''
Gul also said Turkey expended support to the new peace initiatives launched for solution of Palestinian problem.
(AY) 27.04.2003