Sener: Framework Agreement Signed Between N. Cyprus And Turkey Is A Step For Customs Union

ANKARA - State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullatif Sener said on Monday that customs union was a long process, adding that ''the customs union framework agreement signed between TRNC and Turkey is a step for customs union.''
Speaking to CNN Turk, Sener said that the agreement was important in respect of strengthening and diversifying the economic relations between Turkey and TRNC.
Noting that the agreement should not be perceived as an agreement which came out by chance in one day, Deputy Prime Minister Sener said that ''the framework agreement should be taken up in respect of diversifying and deeping the economic relations between Turkey and TRNC. In addition the agreement aims to integrate the TRNC with EU economy, such an agreement between Turkey and TRNC will ensure the integration with EU.''
Sener said that there were some concerns asking ''how will EU perceive that?'' adding that Turkey put a special explanation note while signing customs union agreement with the EU about Cyprus in respect to bilateral free trade agreements.
''EU had signed free trade agreements with more than 15 countries... The views of Turkey were not taken while EU signed those agreements. The previous governments in Turkey could not monitor this issue. EU decreased customs duties in its trade with some of those countries. Those low customs also affect Turkey. The goods imported to Turkey from the countries which signed free trade agreements with EU, enter Turkey with low or zero duties, but the same countries ask for duties when we export goods to them. These are issues of discussion with EU,'' he said.
Explaining his views about sending soldiers to Iraq, Sener said that Iraq and Turkey were two neighbouring countries, adding that Turkey was interested in the developments in Iraq.
Sener said that there was a de facto situation in Iraq and that the developments concerned Turkey, adding that ''Turkey determines the demand of the U.S. regarding soldiers due to its status, relations with Iraq, and assessments about the future of region. I don't think that the issue is only related to sending soldiers to Iraq or not. The issue should be evaluated from a multidimensional perspective like 'how will Turkey go there, how will it be perceived in Iraq, what will be its function there, where will it be charged or not charged, and what will be its status?''
(Öª) 11.08.2003