Mumcu: France's Attitude Was Not A Surprise

ISTANBUL - Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Erkan Mumcu has said, ''France's attitude about Turkey's membership to the European Union (EU) was not a surprise. But I expected such an objection not to come from countries such as Germany, France and Britain, but from the other countries which could be influenced by them.''
Mumcu attended meeting of the Turkish-Moroccan Business Council on Thursday.
Replying to questions of journalists following the meeting, Mumcu said, ''there may be some reasons of France's putting forward its attitude clearly. We should think about these reasons. France's attitude about Turkey's membership to the EU was not a surprise. Attempts to prevent Turkey's EU membership are not new at all. We can overcome them by following an influential diplomacy. But I expected such an objection not to come from countries such as Germany, France and Britain, but from the other countries which could be influenced by them.''
FOREIGN MINISTER GUL SAYS SOME EXAGGERATED STATEMENTS CAN BE MADE FOR DOMESTIC POLITICAL REASONS
Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul has said about yesterday's statement of French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier, ''some exaggerated statements could be made because of domestic political reasons.''
Replying to questions of journalists, Gul said on Thursday, ''Barnier's statement is quite clear. He said that they would make a decision by taking into consideration the Progress Report of the European Union (EU) Commission. In fact, many countries will make their decisions by assessing the report. As we are aware of these, we have been trying to do everything in our power for preparation of a positive report.''
Noting that they would submit constitutional amendments to the parliament soon, Gul told reporters, ''we have some commitments. We pledged to fulfill them. After we fulfill these commitments, and the progress report is released objectively, everyone will explain their views.''
(UK-AÖ) 08.04.2004