Tusiad Chairman Ozilhan Hosts Luncheon For E.U. Ambassadors

ANKARA - Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD) chairman Tuncay Ozilhan hosted on Wednesday a farewell luncheon to European Union (EU) countries' ambassadors to Turkey at Ankara's Sheraton Hotel, as he will leave his post after TUSIAD General Assembly.
Ozilhan said that a positive process concerning the EU started.
Stating that the government was formed in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, he said that the government was in favor of solution.
Ozilhan said that the government's approach on a solution of Cyprus question was definite and noted that Ankara had a view that solution of Cyprus issue should be found by putting forth the political will. He added that all sides commonly shared this view.
Stressing that the approach was positive, Ozilhan said, ''important steps should be taken in practices. Constitutional amendments should be made together with the opposition. The opposition should also be proactive both in constitutional amendments and also in relations with social democrat parties in other countries.''
Emphasizing that the constitutional amendments, which were made in 2003, should be put into practice as soon as possible, Ozilhan said, ''we have a limited period of time. Important steps should be taken till July and August for implementation of these amendments.''
''We explained our views to the ambassadors about what Turkey can do and how can it contribute to the EU after getting a date for opening of accession talks. Also, we informed them on Turkish economy and on our views about the EU. We told them that the two sides are inseparable parts of each other,'' he said.
Referring to the Cyprus question, Ozilhan said, ''TUSIAD's views about the Cyprus question are clear. According to our point of view, negotiation process should be carried out on the basis of the plan of United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan.''
Meanwhile, the ambassadors of the EU-member countries asked some questions TUSIAD officials about efforts to provide economic and political stability.
(EÖ-UK-AY) 14.01.2004