ANKARA - Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said on Tuesday that Cyprus visit of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan would be for encouraging the steps which Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) took.
Gul replied questions regarding agenda at the joint press conference he held together with Foreign Minister Askar Aitmatov of Kyrgyzstan who is currently in Turkey on an official visit.
When recalled the claims published in Greek Cypriot press which said ''Erdogan will present a package for gradual withdrawal of Turkish soldiers from the island in his Cyprus visit'', Gul said, ''these are not true.''
Noting that TRNC had taken some steps which were appreciated by the world and free passages had started within this scope, Gul said, ''things, which cannot be done on table, were done in the field. The United States, the United Nations, the European Union and everybody appreciated this big step of Denktas. Now, it is everybody's right to expect steps in return. The most important one of them will be lifting up economic embargo.''
Gul said that steps, which would be taken mutually, would increase confidence and he emphasized the importance of TRNC visit of Erdogan within this scope. He said, ''this visit will be considered as an attitude for increasing confidence. The visit will be for encouraging the steps which TRNC took.''
Upon the question asking his views about the letter which the Greek Cypriot side sent to the U.N. on resuming of the peace process, Gul said that ''we support all steps taken by TRNC, but the latter will give the decision. We wish lasting peace on the island. For that reason, the factors which can be a problem in the future for ensuring lasting peace on the island have to be lifted.''
Upon a question about the recent statements of Iraqi Kurdistan Democrat Party (IKDP) leader Massoud Barzani, Gul said that he was not informed about the statements, reminding that Turkey wished protection of Iraqi integrity.
''Are you pleased with the interim administration set up in Mosul?'' asked journalists to Gul who said that Turkey monitored the structure which was being formed in Iraq.
When reminded about the news saying that a PKK/KADEK office was opened in Mosul, Gul said that they didn't have such information.
Upon another question, Gul said that Turkish Ambassador to Iraq was about to go to the region, adding that the Embassy would be opened within few days.
Gul said that Turkish Consulate General in Mosul would be opened, adding that both Barzani and Talabani suggested Turkey to open consulates in As Sulaymaniyah and Arbil. Gul said they would assess the issue, adding that ''this shows that both Barzani and Talabani want to have good relations with Turkey in north of Iraq.''
(GC-ÖS-AÖ) 06.05.2003