ANKARA - European Union (EU) Commission's Representative to Turkey Hansjoerg Kretschmer said on Tuesday that Turkey had made a decision to send soldiers to Iraq within the framework of its sovereignty like all other countries contributing to the Stabilization Force in Iraq.
Replying to questions of reporters, Kretschmer hoped that Turkish soldiers would contribute to settlement of stability and peace in Iraq.
Kretschmer said that Turkey had announced that it would go to Iraq to restore stability and extend humanitarian aid instead of an occupier mission.
Hoping that Turkey's contributions would have a positive impact on Iraq, Kretschmer said that Turkish government would not only contribute to settlement of stability and peace in Iraq but also betterment of living conditions of Iraqi people.
Upon a question on Cyprus issue, Kretschmer claimed that failure in finding a solution to Cyprus issue till the EU summit due in June 2004 would have a negative effect on opening of full membership negotiation process with Turkey.
Kretschmer said that Turkey had recorded significant progress in the last ten months especially with the reform packages.
But, he noted, what was important was implementation of those reforms.
Kretschmer pointed out that implementation of those reforms would closely be monitored.
Replying to a question on Democratic People's Party (DEHAP), Kretschmer said that the process would be mentioned in the progress report.
(BRC) 07.10.2003