ISTANBUL - Eneko Landaburu, the head of Enlargement Directorate General of the European Commission, visited the region which was restored within ''Rehabilitation Program for Fener and Balat Districts'' in Istanbul on Friday.
Landaburu, who came to Fatih district with an accompanying delegation, visited Fatih district Mayor Esref Albayrak in his office. Releasing a speech, Landaburu said that the project which was supported by European Commission was very important for them.
Noting that they had a certain relation with Turkey, Landaburu said that they requested Turkey to fulfill some reforms to make it reach to European Union (EU) standards.
Landaburu said, ''EU will help Turkey to fulfill projects which will meet the needs of society not only in political fields but also in social fields. EU is not only an economic union. It is not based on competition. EU is a solidarity system. We have some social targets. The project which we made in Fener and Balat is a proof of our social targets.''
Albayrak thanked European Commission for its support to the rehabilitation of old buildings in Fener and Balat districts.
Noting that a total of 200 buildings were restored at the moment within the rehabilitation program, Albayrak said, ''however, there are 267 historical buildings in the region. It is necessary to rehabilitate them as well. We are expecting support from European Commission for this.''
Albayrak added that European Commission reserved a source worth of seven million Euros for the first step of project with its sub elements.
Landaburu and Albayrak visited Fener and Balat districts after the meeting. Landaburu, who also visited Chamber of Program of Rehabilitation Program for Fener and Balat Districts, received information about the activities.
Landaburu replied to questions of reporters during his visit in Fener and Balat districts. Upon a question whether they had any suggestions to government in social field, Landaburu said that they did not present a direct suggestion to countries which would become member of union on social field.
Landaburu said, ''Turkish government is completely autonomous in developing its own policies and taking its own decisions. Demands should come from Turkish society.''
When asked, ''Turkey wants to be member of EU. However, there are some problems in targets. What do you think about the performance of Turkish government?'' Landaburu said that they supported Turkish government to make it reach to EU standards.
It is aimed to repair a total of 200 houses, form a social center, rehabilitate Balat Bazaar and collect garbages within the program.
European Commission reserved a budget worth of three million 850 thousand Euros for the repair of old houses, one million Euros for forming social center, 150 thousand Euros for rehabilitation of Balat Bazaar, 100 thousand Euros for collecting garbages and one million 900 thousand Euros for administration expenses within the scope of program which was implemented in 1998 by Fatih Municipality, French Institute of Anatolian Studies and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
(GC-AÖ) 13.06.2003