ANKARA - German Ambassador in Ankara Wolf-Ruthart Born said on Saturday that Turkey took important steps in meeting Copenhagen criteria with its reform package, stating that he believed that Turkey would fully meet Copenhagen criteria till the end of 2004.
Speaking to A.A correspondent, Born said Turkey took an important step so far with the seven reform packages, stating that some other arrangements were needed to implement those reforms.
When asked whether or not Turkey would complete all necessary arrangements till the end of 2004, Born said this was a good opportunity and high possibility for Turkey.
When Born was reminded that European Union (EU) made a stress on implementation of the arrangements, he said view of the EU Commission was expected to be positive in case Turkey improved its practices on some specific issues to satisfactory level by the end of 2004.
Stating that the Commission only had the right to make proposals, and that the final decision would be political and that it would be taken with the votes of 25 member countries, Born said he could not speak on behalf of the other members, but that Turkey would find a great support on this point.
Born said bilateral relations between Turkey and Germany were pleasing, stating that regular visits took place on politics, economy and culture.
Born pointed out that German Foreign Minister Joschka Fisher was expected to visit Ankara before the end of this year.
Born said Germany ranked the first in direct and indirect investments to Turkey, adding that German entrepreneurs saw a brilliant future in Turkey.
Born said a German delegation would visit Turkey in October, and meet with many university presidents and faculty deans, and that the sides would look for ways to improve cooperation in cultural exchange.
Born said current situation in Iraq not only affected Turkey but also all other countries, and stated that sending soldiers to Iraq was a decision of Turkey, and that he could not comment on it.
Born said Germany was ready to expend help to rebuilding process of Iraq.
(AY) 30.08.2003