ANKARA - Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Monday that they took important steps in implementation of reforms within one month following the adoption of the EU Commission's 2003 Progress Report.
Addressing the opening of the Prime Ministry Human Rights Consultation Council's sixth extraordinary meeting, Gul said that Turkey went through a very critical period within its EU process.
Noting that the state put forward a perspective regarding the EU process, Gul said that efforts had to be further intensified and more attention had to be paid to the issue.
Gul stated that all sections which believed that Turkey had to be in EU had to mobilize efforts, adding that ''we want to finish this period which continues for 50 years with success.''
Recalling that in addition to the praises, there were also criticisms made about implementation of the reforms in 2003 Progress Report, Gul said that ''we took the most important steps about implementation in one month following the adoption of November 5 Progress Report.''
Gul stated that National Security Council (NSC) law was adopted and its statute was prepared, adding that the statute would be adopted this year. Gul said that when the statute was adopted, everybody would see that there were not exaggerated things about NSC.
Gul pointed out that the regulation on teaching of various languages and dialects spoken in Turkey was also prepared, adding that everybody would learn the language he/she wanted.
Gul stated that Turkey was not treated fairly regarding broadcast in foreign languages, adding that the studies of Supreme Board of Radio and Television (RTUK) completed its studies and the regulation would be published this week.
Noting that the bill on public finance administration would be adopted this week, Gul said that all public expenses including defense would be included in the budget and they would be inspected.
Gul remarked that there were still things that needed to be done.
Gul said the government tried to do the right things for Turkey, adding that ''we make our country transparent, when it becomes transparent, there will not be corruption and people will be responsible for accounting for the things they have done.''
There should be a general understanding in Turkey about the EU process and only in such a case, success could be reached, Gul said adding that ''the people and institutions should have that understanding.''
Gul stated that the reform follow-up group formed to monitor implementation of reforms would convene once again this week.
(Öª-AÖ) 08.12.2003