Gul: Greece Has Clearly Extended Its Support To Turkey's E.U. Process Whatever Results Of Referendum Are

SARAJEVO - Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul has said, ''Greece has clearly extended its support to Turkey's European Union (EU) process whatever results of referendums in Cyprus are.''
Replying to questions of journalists, Gul, who is currently in Sarajevo to attend the Seventh Summit of Heads of State and Government of Southeast European Countries Co-operation Process, said on Wednesday, ''now, Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot peoples will make a decision about their own future in the referendum to be held on April 24.''
Upon a question about views of Greek Prime Minister Costas Caramanlis regarding the possible results of the referendums, Gul said, ''Caramanlis told us that anything could happen. And we told the Greek side that we hoped the Cyprus issue would end.''
''Greece has clearly extended its support to Turkey's EU process whatever results of referendums in Cyprus are. Turkey's membership to the EU will also be beneficial to Greece,'' he said.
When asked whether or not there were any distressing elements in the resolution which was expected to be approved by the United Nations Security Council later today, Gul said that their works on the resolution had been continuing.
Upon a question about statement of Foreign Minister Michel Barnier of France on Turkey's membership to the European Union (EU), Gul said, ''important countries' accession to the EU take long years.''
Previously, Barnier said that Turkey's membership to the EU today or tomorrow is out of question, adding that accession talks could last for 10-15 years.
(UK-AY) 21.04.2004