ANKARA - Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Tuesday that he welcomed the statement of Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou who proposed to begin negotiations between the two countries for a joint reduction in defense spending.
Gul said that this statement showed that the confidence atmosphere between the two countries was improving.
Speaking to A.A, Gul said that the statement of George Papandreou also showed that the political will to sort out peacefully everything between the two countries existed, adding that he welcomed the statements of Papandreou. Gul said ''in fact we have already started reducing defense expenses.''
Gul said that the budget of the National Education Ministry was more than the National Defense Ministry's budget for the first time this year.
''We hope we can have the opportunity to spend our resources more for the richness and prosperity of our peoples. We must develop confidence building measures to this end. Progress on Turkey's EU membership bid, Turkey's starting full membership negotiations with EU, its becoming a member of EU in the future will further decrease the defense expenses. In fact no country wants to keep high its defense expenses, it is done because of obligations. In that respect I find very positive the recent statements of Papandreou,'' Gul said.
When asked whether or not such an agreement will be signed with Greece in case PASOK led by Papandreou wins elections in Greece on March 7, Gul said, ''there is nothing like we will immediately sign such an agreement.''
Stating that positive winds were blowing in the region, Gul said, ''I think the momentum gained in Turkish-Greek relations would not be lost even if the opposition party wins elections in Greece.''
Recalling that Turkey and Greece cooperated in many areas in the recent period, Gul said period of military service was also shortened in Turkey and that an agreement was signed between the two countries to prevent double taxation.
Asked if other problems between the two countries would be solved in parallel to the solution of Cyprus question, Gul said, ''studies are already underway. Foreign ministry undersecretaries of the two countries carry out studies. Neither Greece nor Turkey announces content of the talks at the moment. Nearly 30 talks have been made, and this will continue.''
Gul said Turkey has revealed its political determination for starting of negotiations within Annan Plan to find a solution to Cyprus question before May 1, noting that, ''however there is nothing like Turkey will accept everything that has been proposed or it will give and get rid of Cyprus. We are exerting efforts to find a solution. I hope the Greek Cypriot side will exert a similar understanding.''
When Gul was reminded about the statements of Aegean Army Commander Gen. Hursit Tolon, he said, ''it is clear who will speak on behalf of Turkish Armed Forces. This is Chief of General Staff and Deputy Chief of General Staff. Everybody may state his own views.''
When recalled the statements of Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party (IKDP) leader Massoud Barzani who said that they would withdraw their support from the United States if their demand was not met until March 1 and the demand of Iraqi Kurds for autonomy, Gul said, ''these are not realistic and not for the interest of Kurds in the north of Iraq. Federations based on ethnical or religious basis are not good for the future of Iraq. All parts in Iraq had suffered difficulties very much in the past. Now, that period should be forgotten and a new period should start. Iraq should be peaceful and spend its sources for the prosperity of the country in this new period. Thus, it will be very wrong to invite new instabilities to that country. I am sure that Kurdish leaders will see this as well.''
Noting that Turkey had supported Kurdish parties in the north of Iraq in the past and would continue to support from now on, Gul said that if a new structure had been shaped there in the past 15 years, it was shaped with the support of Turkey for 15 years.
When asked whether this issue would be brought onto agenda during the visit of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the United States, Gul said that one of the most important issues to be discussed would be Iraq issue.
Noting that Turkey would convey its views with good intention, Gul said that a stable, peaceful and rich Iraq was for the interest of Turkey.
(Öª-GC-AY) 20.01.2004