Gonul Meets With European Parliament President Cox

BRUSSELS - National Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul met on Wednesday with European Parliament President Pat Cox.
Gonul is currently in Brussels to participate in a seminar on European Defense organized by European Liberal Democrat and Reform Group (ELDR).
Speaking after the meeting, Gonul said he paid a visit of courtesy to Cox, noting that he thanked Cox for the support expended by him and political group to Turkey's full membership to European Union (EU). Gonul said they also discussed Iraq.
Cox expressed sorrow over the attack on Turkish Embassy in Baghdad.
Explaining the importance of Iraq for Turkey, Gonul said decision of the Parliament authorized the government on dispatch of soldiers to Iraq, but that this did not mean soldiers would absolutely be sent.
Gonul is expected to meet with ELDR Chairman Graham Watson and participate in a seminar on Europe's defense.
Gonul mentioned the problems that may be caused by exclusion of Turkey from European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP), and stressed that NATO-EU relations would be discussed in the seminar.
(AY) 15.10.2003