ANKARA - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has asked the European Union (EU) to soften embargo and isolation imposed on the Turkish Cypriot side prior to its summit in June.
Prime Minister Erdogan held a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Bertie Ahern of current EU term president Ireland.
Prime Minister Erdogan said, ''despite all bona fide and sincere efforts of Turkey, a solution could not be found to the Cyprus issue. We all know the real reason of this failure. At this point, it is not fair at all to punish the side which supported the solution by voting 'yes' in the referendum on April 24, 2004. Therefore, we expect the EU to accelerate its efforts to compensate for the situation on the island.''
''The EU should not be content with releasing use of funds. We expect the EU to concrete measures to soften embargo and isolation imposed on the Turkish Cypriot side, and to take several decisions to this end prior to its summit in June,'' he stressed.
Prime Minister Erdogan thanked Irish Prime Minister Ahern for his hospitality at the accession ceremony on May 1.
He also explained Turkey's views about the EU Constitution.
Recalling that religious officials of the three monotheistic faiths prayed to the God during the accession ceremonies, Prime Minister Erdogan told Ahern, ''you brought three monotheistic faiths together at the ceremonies. Now, you should launch a similar initiative for the constitution. It will constitute a great model.''
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ahern told Prime Minister Erdogan that they would take into consideration Turkey's sensitivity on whether or the Christians would be active in the EU Constitution.
Prime Minister Ahern, who hold telephone conversation with leaders of the EU-member countries about the inter-governmental conference to be held between June 17 and 18, 2004, informed Prime Minister Erdogan on the conference.
Ahern also gave information about preparatory works for the constitution and quality of the votes.
Prime Minister Ahern eulogized Turkish government's determined policy about the Cyprus issue.
He added that he would everything in his power for use of funds by the Turkish Cypriot side.
(UK-AÖ) 26.05.2004