Sabanci: Paving The Way For A Solution To The Cyprus Issue Is Pleasing

ANKARA - Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan received on Thursday Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD) Chairman Omer Sabanci and members of the TUSIAD Executive Board.
State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullatif Sener was also in attendance at the meeting.
Responding questions of journalists following the meeting, Sabanci said, ''paving the way for a solution to the Cyprus issue is pleasing. The United Republic of Cyprus' becoming a member of the European Union (EU) as of May 1, 2004 will accelerate relations between Turkey and the EU. We consider the productive attitude of the government positive.''
He said that they had informed Prime Minister Erdogan on the TUSIAD's lobby activities in 2001, 2002 and 2003.
Noting that the TUSIAD would maintain its lobby activities in 2004 for Turkey's full membership to the EU, Sabanci highlighted importance of fulfilling Copenhagen criteria.
Expressing their satisfaction over the continuing decrease in inflation rates and in interest rates, Sabanci said that the government should continue implementing the International Monetary Fund (IMF)-backed program in 2004 with the same determination.
Sabanci added that the issue of unemployment should be resolved, and a sustainable growth should be provided.
Meanwhile, TUSIAD delegation visited Central Bank Governor Sureyya Serdengecti prior to its meeting with Prime Minister Erdogan.
(UK) 19.02.2004