Gul: The Steps We Have Taken Have Been Determined Beforehand

ANKARA - Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Thursday that there was not any pressure on Turkey about Cyprus, stating that, ''the steps we have taken have been determined beforehand.''
Gul addressed opening of a meeting organized by Strategic Researches Center on investigation of contribution methods of scientists in foreign policy decision process.
Gul reminded the journalists the news reports that there was pressure on Turkey on Cyprus issue, and said this was not right.
Gul said, ''whatever we have done have been determined beforehand. Things that have been planned step by step continue,'' stating that Turkey and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) together decided for the steps that would be taken.
GUL: WE HOPE THAT A SOLUTION WILL BE REACHED IN CYPRUS BEFORE MAY 1, 2004
Gul said, ''Turkey has carried out a very fastidious work over the issue. We have been pursuing a national policy. Therefore, we listen to views of everyone. Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) have been co-operating with each other. We hold perpetual talks with President Rauf Denktas of the TRNC.''
''As you see, we have earlier planned all these issues. For the time being, everything has been going well. We hope that a solution will be reached in Cyprus before May 1, 2004. Both Turkish and Turkish Cypriot sides have displayed their good-will, and they will continue to do so. We hope that a lasting, sustainable and final peace will be settled in the island by taking into consideration the facts. We will maintain our contributions to this end,'' he said.
Referring to some news stories claiming that Turkey was under pressure, Gul said that these stories were baseless.
''As Turkey and the TRNC, we have earlier determined all these steps. Our holding telephone conversations with foreign officials are quite natural. Everyone has been trying to contribute to the process with good-will. But, any pressure on Turkey is out of question. We expect everyone to display a positive and willing attitude,'' he said.
Gul added that the most authorized officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had informed the political parties.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ugur Ziyal informed political parties over the Cyprus issue.

(UK-AÖ) 12.02.2004