Arinc: Turkish Armed Forces is not opposed to Turkey's membership to EU

VIENNA - Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc has said, ``no one can claim that the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) is opposed to Turkey`s full membership to the European Union (EU). The TSK has been supporting Turkey`s EU process sincerely.``
After being briefed by Turkish Ambassador to Austria Mithat Balkan, Arinc and accompanying parliamentary delegation met on Monday with representatives of Turkish community in Austria.
Speaking at the meeting, Arinc said, ``the general election in November of 2002 was a significant turning point in history of Turkey. Only two out of 18 political parties could have seats at the parliament after the elections. The current parliament including a sound political power and opposition, have made a series of significant reforms which could not be fulfilled for the last four decades. Inflation and interest rates have decreased, and a new atmosphere of investment has emerged. Turkey has recorded a growth of 5 percent. Most of Turkish people want to become a full member of the EU. 2004 will be a critical year in Turkey`s EU membership process.``
Noting that an important decision would be taken about Turkey`s full membership to the EU in 2004, Arinc said, ``we want to become a member of the EU, and have been expending great efforts to this end.``
Calling on Turkish people living in Austria to integrate with Austrian society, Arinc said, ``all Turkish citizens living in European countries should abide by rules and laws of these countries. Otherwise, reservations will continue in public surveys about Turkey`s EU membership. We should, of course, preserve our identity, but we should also abide by rules of these countries. I also call on Turkish people living in European countries to attribute great importance to education of their children.``
``Turkey has decided to become a full member of the EU, and made necessary reforms to this end. 75 percent of our people are in favor of EU membership. Any public official cannot act to prevent Turkey`s EU process,`` he said.
Arinc stressed, ``the current government has displayed its powerful will about the EU membership. And the opposition has been supporting the government. We want to get a date at the end of 2004 for opening of accession talks.``
``No one can claim that the TSK is opposed to Turkey`s full membership to the EU. The TSK has been supporting Turkey`s EU process sincerely,`` he emphasized.
Arinc added that European Commission President Romano Prodi had given some positive messages and explained some facts during his visit to Turkey.
(UK) 19.01.2004