ANKARA - Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Wednesday that the Regular Report on the progress towards accession of Turkey for 2003 very clearly and openly put forth initiatives made in Turkey and added, ''we may call this statement objective.''
Commenting on the progress report, Gul said, ''when we look at the report objectively and with common sense, we can see that initiatives in Turkey are very openly and clearly puth forth. We may call this statement objective.''
Touching on 50-year history of Turkey-European Union (EU) relations, Gul said that the government was determined to bring Turkey to the level of other EU member countries in regard to implementation of Copenhagen political criteria.
Gul noted that relevant laws had been passed and constitutional amendments had been made in that respect and they were very determined to implement those laws and amendments.
''When we look at the report, we see that laws, constitutional amendments we have passed and determination of the government are very objectively stressed and problems in implementation are things we know,'' Gul said.
Gul stated that they would show whole world that all laws would be put into practice in coming months.
''What is said in the report is true. There are some delays in implementation. But, every law and amendment will be put into practice in coming months,'' Gul said.
Gul noted that the government would continue its sensitivity and determination to implement reform packages.
Touching on Cyprus part of the report, Gul said that Cyprus was not a part of political criteria when EU was in question and everybody knew that.
Gul stressed that EU was imposing same criteria to candidate countries and would continue to do so.
''It should behave towards Turkey the same way and it will do so,'' Gul said.
Gul stated that everybody wanted solution of Cyprus issue and efforts would be exerted for its settlement before May 2004.
Sides should sit at a negotiation table and exert efforts for a compromise in the same way, Gul said.
Gul noted that compromise should not only be expected from Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), adding, ''we hope that positive steps will be taken in coming months.''
(BRC-AÖ) 05.11.2003