ANKARA - Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Wednesday that they were in consensus with Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath on the issue of Turkey's undertaking active role in the Middle East peace process.
Gul and Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath who held meetings in Ankara made a joint press statement following their tete-a-tete meeting and meeting between the Turkish Palestinian delegations.
Noting that Shaath's visit to Ankara had been expected for some time, Gul said, ''Turkish people were pleased to see the representative of their Palestinian brothers and sisters in Turkey,'' adding that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan would be pleased to see Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas in Ankara.
Stating that they had discussed the latest situation in the Middle East and especially the road map, Gul said that they were in consensus with Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath on the issue of Turkey's undertaking active role in the Middle East peace process.
Noting that Turkey would contribute to work on preparation of constitution which had been carried out under chairmanship of Shaath, Gul stressed that Palestine needed help in structural and institutional fields, adding, ''Turkey has moral and material responsibilities against the region, and it is determined to fulfil them.''
GUL: ''I WILL GO TO U.S. NEXT WEEK''
Gul said that he would go to the U.S. next week, adding that ''if there are problems, foreign ministers talk to sort them out.''
Recalling that U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell came to Turkey despite the disappointment appeared in the U.S. following the rejection of the motion on deployment of U.S. soldiers in Turkey by the parliament, Gul said that ''foreign ministers are there to sort out problems.''
Upon a question about the letter sent by U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Gul stated that the text was reflected differently to the press. Noting that the letter was important, Gul stated that the strategic importance of the Turkey-U.S. relations and the respect towards the Turkish Armed Forces was voiced in the letter which also expressed sorrow over the incident in Sulaymaniyah.
When reminded about the news telling that a terrorist namely Mahmut Osman was appointed to the interim Iraqi administration, Gul said that they would investigate if it was true.
''Such a thing is not possible. I suppose those who are allies of Turkey would not recognize those terrorists,'' said Gul.
When asked his view about the U.S.'s being late in approving the statement of Turkey-U.S. joint commission, Gul stated that the statement was prepared together and that difference of time could be in question. Gul stated that a high ranking meeting was held about the issue, adding that ''the thing that matters is its approval.''
SHAATH SAYS TURKEY IS AN INTERNATIONAL PARTNER WHICH CAN HELP PROGRESS OF PEACE IN MIDDLE EAST
Shaath said that he had a very constructive, successful and practical meeting with Gul and took up especially the current situation and future of Turkish-Palestinian relations, Turkey's contributions to peace process, and the Middle East road map.
As a country which had a regional power in the Middle East and which had close relations with Arab-Islam world, Turkey was an international partner which could help progress of peace in the region, Shaath noted.
Shaath emphasized importance of Turkish government's support to peace process.
They debated international conference to be held till the end of the year within the framework of the road map, and reforms in fields of politics, jurisdiction, security and economy, Shaath stated.
Shaath pointed out that those were factors ensuring implementation of road map and supporting the peace process.
The road map created a new opportunity for them and it should be supported, Shaath said.
Shaath noted that Turkey's partnership would help development of the Palestinians.
Turkish-Palestinian cooperation should be ensured rapidly especially in trade, investment and economy, Shaath stated.
Shaath pointed out that they wanted Turkish construction companies to contribute to the development process.
When asked if Turkey could persuade Israel to implement road map, Shaath said that Turkey would not be alone in that process and the United States, European Union, Russia, United Nations and other Arab countries would contribute to that effort.
Shaath added that Turkey would try to persuade Israel to fulfil its responsibilities.
PRESIDENT SEZER RECEIVES PALESTINIAN FOREIGN MINISTER SHAATH
President Ahmet Necdet Sezer received on Wednesday Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath.
Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul and other officials also attended the meeting in Presidential Palace.
(BRC-EÖ-AÖ) 16.07.2003