ISTANBUL - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed belief on Monday that problems in freedom of thought, belief, conscience and organization stemming from regulations would be overcome in time.
Erdogan addressed opening remarks of 75th Congress of the World Association of Newspapers (WAN) and 11th World Editors Forum (WEF) at the Lutfi Kirdar International Congress and Exhibition Center in Istanbul and then replied to questions of foreign editors.
When asked how he saw freedom of religion in Turkey, Erdogan said that there had been some problems in freedom of religion and conscience as there were some problems in freedom of thought. However, he noted, those problems were overcome in time.
Erdogan stated that Turkish government had overcome those problems at a great extent thanks to its efforts to adjust with the European Union (EU) acquis.
''Settling some problems which may emerge in the future will also show transition to full democracy. I believe that some problems in freedom of thought, belief, conscience and organization stemming from regulations will be overcome in time,'' Erdogan added.
A total of 72 national newspapers union, individual newspaper directors from 102 countries, 13 news agencies and ten regional or worldwide press groups are members of WAN.
More than 1400 CEO, director general, general publication director and delegates from 88 countries are participating in the congress.
WAN and FEW unofficially convened on Sunday in Istanbul.
(BRC-AÖ) 31.05.2004