ANKARA - Hansjorg Kretschmer, the Head of European Union (EU) Commission Representation to Turkey, described the Commission`s Regular Progress Report for Turkey as ``objective and fair``. Kretschmer noted that settlement of the Cyprus question was not a part of the political criteria.
Kretschmer held a press conference after the Progress Report and the Continuing Enlargement Strategy Paper were released by the EU Commission yesterday.
Speaking at the press conference, Kretschmer noted that the Turkish government had recorded significant progress in its EU membership process.
Stressing that there were, however, many things to do, Kretschmer said that Turkey should preserve its courage during the membership process.
Referring to the part in the Continuing Enlargement Strategy Paper about the Cyprus question, Kretschmer said that settlement of the Cyprus question was not a pre-condition for opening of accession talks between Turkey and the EU, adding that Turkey`s contributions to efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus question would have a positive impact in its EU process.
SHORTCOMINGS IN MEETING POLITICAL CRITERIA AND IMPLEMENTATION OF REFORMS
Stating that there were many things that should be done in Turkey`s EU membership process, but it should not discourage Turkey, Kretschmer said that the report was ``positive and encouraging``. Kretschmer added that it included ``objective and fair`` assessments.
Noting that the two governments after general elections showed an important determination on EU membership process, Kretschmer said that 2003 was not an easy year. Kretschmer stated that 2003 was not easy due to political difficulties which stemmed from Iraq issue.
Kretschmer said that four reform packages which were passed during this period were important as they touched on sensitive issues and stated that there were significant progresses in development of basic rights and freedoms. Stating that there were also advances in adjustment process with EU regulation, Kretschmer said that but there were many things which should be done on the issue. He added that adjustment process was a process which could not be completed before accession.
Kretschmer said that political criteria which was the basis for starting of full membership negotiations were not met completely and listed independence of legislation and judiciary and freedoms of expression, religion and peaceful assembly as issues on which progress should be recorded. Kretschmer added that they wanted to see more advances in Southeastern Anatolia Region of Turkey.
Stating that there were some shortcomings in implementation of reforms, Kretschmer showed compensation which should be paid to ECHR due to torture allegations, broadcast in local languages, situation of former DEP deputies Leyla Zana and her friends and Loizidou case as example to those shortcomings.
Kretschmer said that despite those shortcomings, the report was ``encouraging`` and stated that it should be accepted as ``guiding`` for the next year.
When asked what was the attitude of EU toward solution of Cyprus question, Kretschmer said that its attitude was similar to Turkey`s attitude to a great extent and stated that it was that Cyprus was not a part of political criteria.
Stating that on the other side, solution to the Cyprus question was of great importance for the EU, Kretschmer said that the Union expressed many times its wish that a solution should be found to Cyprus issue before May 2004 when the Greek Cypriot side would a member of the EU.
Asked what would happen unless a solution was found to the Cyprus issue before May 2004 and why suggestions on finding a solution to the issue were presented only to Turkish side, Kretschmer said that finding a solution to the issue was first to the benefits of Turkish Cypriot side and stated that Turkish Cypriot people would start to have advantages of membership with EU membership.
Kretschmer said that there was need for the two sides for solution, not one side and stated that even if Turkey`s EU membership was not on the agenda, a solution should be found to this issue.
Kretschmer stated that the link between Cyprus question and Turkey` EU membership was a ``situation assessment`` and said that this advice was not scientific or mathematical, but a political decision. Kretschmer added that because a political assessment would be made on Turkey`s membership in the summit in December 2004.
Upon another question, Kretschmer said that he did not knew what kind of a change took place in expression about Cyprus after phone conservation between Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul and EU Commissioner for Enlargement Guenter Verheugen.
Upon a question if EU intervened in elections which would be held in TRNC, Kretschmer said that EU`s pressure or intervention in this issue was out of question and stated that they hoped that elections would be held fairly.
REPORT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS AN ENCOURAGING GUIDE
Stating that successes were underlined and issues which should be developed were mentioned in the report, Kretschmer said that this report was very positive. Noting that it should be considered as an encouraging guide, Kretschmer said that the aim should be to complete things that the report showed as issues which should be done.
Kretschmer said that Cyprus issue was not a formal criterion to start negotiations and stated that Cyprus would be a part of EU in May 2004 and EU wanted to see a united Cyprus. Stating that a solution should be found on the issue, Kretschmer said that Cyprus`s being a member of the Union would bring advantages to the island. Kretschmer said that Cyprus was a political fact and reality and added that if Turkey found a solution to the issue by its own efforts, it would be to its benefit.
Stating that the government showed great determination and passed the adjustment laws, Kretschmer said that Turkey took very important steps than expected, but they could not say that all reforms were put into practice. Kretschmer said that candidate countries should attribute importance to protection of democracy, human rights, supremacy of law and minority to join the EU and stated that they should see implementation of reforms in daily life. He said that administrative and judicial institutions were putting into practice reforms in a more limited way and they did not take into consideration spirit of reforms.
(EÖ-AÖ) 06.11.2003