ISTANBUL - Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Wednesday that there were positive steps on recognition of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Gul visited the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Research Center For Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA) in Yildiz Palace in Istanbul.
Asked whether or not there was any development about Azerbaijan's recognizing TRNC, Gul said, ''there is not any development about this issue now, but those issues are carried out gradually under a strategy. Undoubtedly, we will act first by recalling promises that friendly countries have made. There are positive steps about this issue. As you see, those steps started to be taken in Europe first.''
When reminded of the statement of European Union (EU) Enlargement Commissioner Guenter Verheugen who said that as long as U.N. Security Council did not recognize TRNC, EU would not recognize it, Gul said, ''those are normal. Of course, there are works which will be first carried out in the U.N. Security Council. Other things will also be made later. Everyone should know that we started to work on those issues on Saturday evening when referendum was held and we are exerting extreme efforts.''
Asked how Greek Cypriot side would be announced in Eurovision Song Contest, Gul said, ''it will be announced as it used to be. Greek Cypriot side earlier came to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) as well. It will be announced like in OSCE. No one should expect that there will be problem on this issue.''
When asked whether or not Turkish troops would be sent to Afghanistan, Gul noted, ''no, there is nothing about this issue now.''
(EÖ-AY) 28.04.2004