Gul: Turkey Does Not Have Any Haste On 8.5 Billion U.S. Dollars Loan

ANKARA - Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Tuesday that Turkey did not have any haste on 8.5 billion U.S. dollars loan.
Gul made a statement at Ankara's Esenboga Airport prior to his departure for Greece for a two-day working visit.
When a journalist asked whether the 8.5 billion U.S. dollars loan which United States provided to Turkey would be taken or not, Gul said there was no problem about the loan.
Gul said, ''however, the Turkish economy does not need this loan at the moment. This loan does not have any connection with dispatch of soldiers to Iraq. We earlier said we may use it if we need. No haste is in question at the time being.''
Replying to a question about dispatch of soldiers to Iraq, Gul said the authority was taken to help Iraq's reconstruction process, preserve Iraq's territorial integrity, and to help restoring of order in Iraq.
Gul said there was nothing like the authority would be used automatically, stressing that this authority would be used when the conditions requested by Turkey are fulfilled, and after being sure to what it would serve.
Gul said, ''this does not mean that Turkish soldiers would go to Iraq under every condition.''
GUL: ''THE TWO COUNTRIES SHOULD IMPROVE FRIENDLY RELATIONS FOR SECURITY OF OUR REGION AND FOR SERVICES THAT WOULD BE MADE TO OUR PEOPLES''

Gul said that strengthening of relations between Turkey and Greece would contribute to the stability of the region.
Gul said he would be received by Greek President and Prime Minister, and that he would sign Olympiad Peace statement.
Gul said evaluation of the developments, recorded between the two countries in cooperation process, would constitute the main item of the agenda of his scheduled meetings with Papandreou.
Gul said, ''as you know, meetings take place between the two countries in many areas. We will review relations. We will determine our position, the problems, the successes, and what should be done.''
Pointing out that they aimed at further improving rapprochement process, installed between Turkey and Greece, Gul said, ''this is for the benefit of the two countries. Both Turkey and Greece are willing for this. Friendly relations between the two countries should be improved for security of our region and for the services that would be made to our peoples.''
Gul said they would also exchange views on new cooperation facilities presented by 2004 Athens Olympiads to the two countries, adding that businessmen of the two countries would convene during his visit.
Recalling that Finance Minister Kemal Unakitan accompanied him during the visit, Gul said State Minister Ali Babacan responsible for Treasury would also proceed to Greece on Wednesday.
Gul said regional and international issues would be discussed during the talks, stressing that Turkey's full membership process to the European Union (EU) would also be taken up.
Gul said, ''strengthening of relations between Turkey and Greece would not only be beneficial for the interests of our countries, but also will contribute to peace, stability and cooperation in our region.''
Gul said he would later proceed to Sarajevo to participate in funeral of former Bosnia-Herzegovina President Aliya Izzetbegovic.
(AY) 21.10.2003