MAASTRICHT - Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Sunday that Turkey's full membership to the European Union (EU) would not bring a burden on the EU.
Addressing the opening of a symposium jointly staged by Maastricht Management Sciences Academy and Koc University, Gul gave information about the reforms fulfilled in Turkey to meet Copenhagen criteria.
Gul said there had been discussions a few years ago whether or not Turkey would meet Copenhagen criteria, stressing that Turkey has overcome this and that this should be considered as an important stage.
Gul said the reforms would continue for the happiness of Turkish people whether or not Turkey becomes a member of the EU.
Foreign Minister Gul said the reforms were made not because the EU wanted them, but because Turkish people deserved them.
Stating that economic figures were positive and that the markets were boosting confidence, Gul said Turkish economy was getting ready for full membership and that EU economy would be strengthened in case Turkey becomes a member.
Gul said Turkey's efforts did not aim at getting a share from the European cake but to further enlarge the cake. He said Turkey would absolutely not be a burden in case it becomes a full member of the EU.
Foreign Minister Gul said Turkey preferred compromise in diplomacy stating that the policy followed in solution of Cyprus question constituted an example for this. Gul said Turkey's approach in this respect could be an example in solution of several international problems.
Reiterating that Turkey was willing to be a member of the EU, Gul said he was somewhat realistic that membership would take time.
Dutch State Minister responsible for EU relations Atzo Nikolay, who also spoke at the symposium, stated that Turkey's efforts and its legal arrangements within democratization made a positive change in view of Europe toward Turkey.
Stating that they would be objective to set a date for Turkey to start full membership negotiations, Nikolay said they would consider whether or not Copenhagen criteria was met.
(AY-AÖ) 05.04.2004