KAYSERI - Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said on Sunday that, ''unfortunately irresponsible articles are published to disrupt Turkish-U.S. relations and to damage future.''
Speaking at inauguration of Kadir Has Kent and Mimarsinan Museum, Gul said relations between Turkey and the United States were very deep, stressing that it was not possible to connect those relations only with the ''authority motion''.
Gul said the government was willing to further improve relations with the United States, stating that, ''U.S. side thinks the same. It is not right that statements were made from U.S. side that, 'it is not time for the visit that will be paid from Turkey'. U.S. Ambassador denied those news reporters yesterday. It was reported that the United States would be pleased with invitations that would be made by Turkey.'' He said Turkish-U.S. relations would continue on a healthy basis.
Pointing out that Turkey was the most important country of its region, Gul said Turkey was a country which was an example to the east and the west having democratic and modern structure among Islam countries.
When asked how Turkish-Iraqi relations would be shapened from now on, Gul said, ''an important delegation, in the level of embassy, left for Iraq, not only northern Iraq. There were insistent invitations of Barzani and Talabani. They said Turkey was one of those who expended support to their freedom. We think of opening consulates in Irbil and Suleymaniyah. We are interested in integrity of Iraq. We will open two hospitals in Baghdad and Kirkuk in the coming days.''
Gul said Turkey has positive commercial relations with Iraq, noting that, ''2880 trucks were sent from Turkey to Iraq carrying foodstuff. Whatever is needed by Iraq is met by Turkey.''
Gul said, ''the understanding that could not be reached on Cyprus for years on negotiation table, is reached in arena,'' noting that, ''TRNC has taken steps for this. President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) took those steps. They are appreciated by the whole world. EU started initiatives to lift the embargo it implemented on Cyprus.''
Gul said, ''there is a consensus in Turkey about the EU. Ruling and the opposition act together. Not only the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) parliamentarians but also Republican People's Party (CHP) gave votes to two reform packages. We are passing through a critical turning point. We will carry out works together with the opposition.''
(AY-BRC) 18.05.2003