ANKARA - Turkish-German Interparliamentary Friendship Group Chairperson Claudia Roth said on Monday that they supported Turkey's European Union (EU) membership and welcomed especially the recent constitutional amendments.
Roth, who met with Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul, replied to questions of reporters after the meeting.
Noting that they had a very clear and sincere meeting, Roth said that they discussed reform activities in Turkey and Iraq and Cyprus issues.
Praising recent important constitutional amendments and reform activities in Turkey, Roth welcomed abolition of State Security Courts, lifting of death sentence even in wartime, making Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) more transparent, Turkey's opening the membership path to International Court of Justice and arrangements on equality of man and woman.
Noting that they were distressed with the developments in Cyprus, Roth said that they wished that not only northern side, but also southern side in Cyprus put forth their views with majority for a joint future and perspective.
Regarding Iraq issue, Roth said that they shared the same view with Turkish government on opening investigation to those who are responsible for torture events in Iraq and punishment of them.
Roth said that they shared the support of Turkish government for restoring peace and stability in Iraq, for a promising future for Iraqi people and transferring sovereignty to Iraqi people.
Upon a question, Roth said that they wanted integration of Turkey with the EU, but Turkey had to fulfill Copenhagen criteria for this. Roth added that discussions on Turkey's EU membership should be carried on with responsibility.
Upon another question, Roth said that they wanted to visit Leyla Zana in the prison in the afternoon and they would try to get permission for this.
Roth said that they wanted integration, not walls, in a common Europe.
(GC-AÖ) 10.05.2004