ISTANBUL - Davut Okutcu, the Chairman of the Economic Development Foundation (IKV) said on Monday that ''there is no need to worry by thinking 'what if EU won't admit us?' Our steps are clear. I believe that the EU will put forward its clear will about Turkey's membership.''
Responding to questions of journalists after the meeting in which 18 nongovernmental organizations under the leadership of IKV attended, Okutcu said that the decisions taken about Turkey during Copenhagen summit were very clear. If Turkey fulfilled the political criteria, the negotiations would start without any delay, Okutcu stated.
''The common decisions, targets and results of 15 countries about Turkey are clear. News apart from them are totally speculation,'' said Okutcu.
Upon another question, Okutcu stated that it was not possible to say that all EU countries were warm to the idea of Turkey's membership, adding that contacts about European Parliament had to be intensified.
Okutcu said that the business world planned various activities abroad to explain the reforms of Turkey, adding that they would start their activities firstly in Italy.
Upon a question about Cyprus, Okutcu said ''Cyprus is not a political criteria, but certainly certain steps have to be taken about this issue. The important steps taken by TRNC recently constitute a good ground in this framework.''
Deputy Chairman of Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) Halim Mete said in his part that Turkey came to an important stage within the EU membership process.
Mete said that Turkey undertook important reforms and that the seventh adjustment package was an important reform adopted in this regard.
He added that as much as Copenhagen political criteria, economic criteria were also important in respect of full membership.
Mete said that 80 percent of Turkish society wanted Turkey to join the union and stated that they were exerting efforts on this issue.
Recalling that Turkey Platform convened firstly in Turkey and then in Brussels last year, Mete said, ''we went there with 240 nongovernmental organizations. We will also gather Turkey Platform in Italy in October by bringing together nongovernmental organizations representing all sides. We will say what Turkey and Turkish people want.''
Mete said that different voices could come out from time to time, but most of Turkish people wanted Turkey to join the EU as soon as possible.
Upon a question regarding Cyprus, TUSIAD Executive Board member Cem Duna said that some steps on Cyprus were taken and stated that they expected the government to pursue a sound policy encouraging those steps.
Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ISO) Executive Board Chairman Tanil Kucuk said that adjustment packages were passed from the parliament one after another and Turkey took rapid and determined steps.
Kucuk stressed that Turkey should fulfil its political and economic duties and said that the EU would have a sincerity test after those laws were put into practice.
Turkey's Exporters Assembly (TIM) Chairman Oguz Satici said that work which were made on the path of membership to the EU was of great importance for prosperity of Turkish people and stated that what was important was implementation of laws.
(Öª-EÖ-AÖ) 04.08.2003