Turkey Pleased With Appointment Of De Hoop Scheffer As Nato Secretary - General

ANKARA - Foreign Ministry said that Turkey was pleased with appointment of Jaap De Hoop Scheffer, Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs, as NATO Secretary-General.
Releasing a statement on Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Turkey had appreciated De Hoop Scheffer's successful activities as a parliamentarian and foreign minister and his significant contributions to development of Turkish-Dutch relations.
The statement said, ''Turkey has the view that Mr. De Hoop Scheffer will fulfil effectively his duties and responsibilities that NATO Secretariat-General requires.''
The Ministry said that the government had earlier decided to support De Hoop Scheffer's candidacy for NATO Secretary-General and stated that Turkey was pleased with the appointment of Jaap de Hoop Scheffer as NATO Secretary-General.
The statement added that the Alliance which had a major role in maintenance of security and stability in Europe so far overcame several difficult experiences thanks to contribution of the member countries and also Secretaries-General who had important role in continuation of solidarity spirit of the Alliance.
(EÖ-AÖ) 22.09.2003