BERLIN - Turkish-German Parliamentary Friendship Group Co-Chairperson Claudia Roth said on Thursday that developments in Turkey closely concerned German parliament.
German members of Turkish-Germany Parliamentary Friendship Group hosted a luncheon in honor of delegation of Justice and Development Party (AK Party), who continue contacts in German capital Berlin.
Speaking in the luncheon, Roth said that Turkey's European Union (EU) membership was discussed in Germany.
Roth noted that one of the important issues was adjustment and expressed belief that concerted efforts would contribute to Turkey's adjustment.
They wanted to visit Turkey next spring and continue their contacts, Roth stated.
Roth said that Turkey had economic problems as well as some problems in democracy and human rights but showed appreciation for the reforms made in Turkey.
Turkish-German Parliamentary Commission Co-Chairman Ahmet Yasar said that the commission was comprised of 177 members by a congress held in Turkey on April 30 and noted, ''this shows how important our country, our government and our people consider Germany.''
Stating that almost 2.5 million Turks were living in Germany and there were Germans living in Turkey, Yasar said that this was important for improvement of friendship between two countries.
Yasar noted that Turks knew much about Germany and concerted efforts should be exerted to help the Germans learn more about Turkey.
Sakarya parliamentarian Saban Disli said that Turkey was launching new initiatives not only to join the EU but also to raise living standards of people.
Disli stated that 85 percent of Turkish people wanted Turkey's EU membership. ''Therefore, we will put into practice reforms in 2004,'' he added.
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's chief adviser Cuneyd Zapsu said that some things related with human rights could not be changed easily but the government had taken the first steps.
Zapsu added, ''I have always wanted to change some things in my country, now I have the opportunity to change them.''
(BRC) 25.09.2003