CESME - Secretary General for EU Affairs Murat Sungar said on Friday that this year's report would show the direction of the 2004 Progress Report on Turkey.
Addressing the Higher Consultation Council meeting of Association of Turkish Businessmen and Industrialists (TUSIAD), Sungar said that EU candidacy strengthened Turkey's strategic and political position. Sungar said that EU would benefit from the experiences of Turkey in opening to the new countries, civilizations, cultures and economies in the east.
Sungar said that Turkey was in an important period in its relations with the EU, adding that ''the revised national programme constituted an important stage in this process.''
Sungar said that the national programme was not only perceived as commitments given to EU, but also as a promise given to the nation.
Noting that Turkey's strong will on the EU membership was very important and determining for the European public opinion, Sungar said that nevertheless part of the European public opinion had a negative stance against Turkey's membership.
Sungar recalled that Communication Group for EU was also set up to further promote Turkey's EU membership abroad.
Upon questions of TUSIAD, Sungar stated that Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul would go to Brussels on September 29 and explain the progress recorded in Turkey on the way to EU membership. The progress report of EU on Turkey which would be published on 5-6 October will show the direction of the next year's report. Sungar said that he had positive expectations about this year's report.
(Öª-AÖ) 19.09.2003