Turkey Would Not Be Involved In Projects That Are Against Islam Countries: Gul

ANKARA - Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul, speaking about the Greater Middle East Project, stated that, ''Turkey will not be involved in such a project if it is against Islam countries.''
Gul, who returned to Turkey after completing his visit to Egypt, replied to questions of reporters at Ankara's Esenboga Airport.
Gul said Greater Middle East Project was discussed during his meetings in Egypt, stating that, ''there is a different perception there on this issue. They think the project would not be beneficial to the Middle East and they approach the issue suspiciously.''
Gul said Egyptian press asked him whether or not Turkey was a part of this project, noting that he explained them the issue in details and conveyed that Turkey had nothing to do with this project.
''Nevertheless'' Gul noted Turkey thought that Islam world needed to fulfill the reforms with its own dynamics and that politicians and intellectuals from Islam countries should discuss the problems.
Gul said this would be imposed from outside if Islam countries fail to fulfill this by themselves. Gul said he reminded them that Turkey has been fulfilling several reforms for its own people.
Gul said works were underway regarding re-opening of seminary for theological education on Heybeliada, and noted that it was early to say something about which status the school would be opened.

(AY) 07.06.2004