Gul: Uefa's Decision Is Unacceptable And Will Change

ANKARA - Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Wednesday that the decision of Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) to switch Galatasaray-Juventus and Besiktas-Chelsea matches from Turkey to neutral venues was unacceptable.
Replying to questions of reporters, Gul expressed belief that the decision would change.
Gul said, ''it is an unacceptable decision. It will change. This is an issue beyond football and teams.''
Noting that they had done what was necessary to change the decision, Gul said that he met with Italian and British ambassadors to Turkey.
Gul said, ''on one hand terrorists are hitting Turkey. We can't endure Europe's hitting Turkey on the other hand.''
Asked about the claims that Turkey paid compensation in Loizidou case, Gul said that compensation had not been paid yet and talks continued.
Gul said, ''there is a formula which we wait for. If it is reached, we will pay it. Otherwise, we won't.''
(BRC-AY) 27.11.2003