ANKARA - Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said on Tuesday that Turkey would take necessary measures for not missing the chance to start negotiations with the European Union (EU).
Gul released statements and replied questions of reporters at Ankara's Esenboga Airport prior to his departure to Pakistan.
When recalled military officials had brought some drawbacks onto agenda regarding the content of the sixth adjustment package, Gul said, ''I am surprised how secret documents take place on pages of newspapers.''
Noting that Turkey was determined to make progress on EU path and it was also the priority of former government, not only their government; Gul said that Turkey had the chance to start negotiations.
Gul said, ''we should all trust Turkey. Fulfilling democracy in Turkey like other developed countries was our promise to our people. We will be courageous, we will trust our people, we will take necessary measures and we will not miss the chance.''
Emphasizing that there was a deep friendship relation between Turkey and Pakistan and political relations were also on a very good level, Gul said that they would took up the issue of drawing commercial and economic relations to the level of political relations. Noting that they appreciated the changes in Pakistan, Gul said that they would discuss Iraq, Cyprus and Kashmir issues besides bilateral relations.
When recalled the news in press regarding the north of Iraq, Gul said that a delegation from Foreign Ministry had held contacts in the whole of Iraq and especially in the north of country. He added that they were also following the news in press closely, but they would make evaluations according to the information which the delegation would give after its examination.
Gul will meet with Pakistani Foreign Minister Mian Khursheed Mehmood Kasuri and attend the dinner to be held in his honor.
(GC-AÖ) 20.05.2003