Arinc: Many Reforms Which Have Been Delayed For Years Are Adopted At Parliament At One Stretch

BERLIN - Turkish Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc said on Monday that many reforms which have been delayed for years were adopted at Turkish Parliament at one stretch.
Arinc met with Berlin State Parliament Speaker Walter Momper.
Arinc told reporters after the meeting that very important progress was made and very significant reforms were fulfilled regarding Turkey`s European Union (EU) membership especially in recent years. He added, ``Turkish Parliament adopted many reforms, which have been delayed for years, at one stretch. Constitutional amendments nearly on 30 articles and more than 100 legal arrangements were made and adjusted. Now we have started to follow the implementation of them.``
Arinc also said that there were good relations between Turkey and Germany rooted in the past and added that those relations have further developed in recent years on every field.
Arinc thanked for the interest they were shown in Germany and invited Momper to Turkey.
Momper said that not only Turkish citizens living in Germany but also themselves were following the developments in Turkey with great interest and added that as Turkey came closer to Europe, the friendship between two countries would increase.
Wishing success to Turkey regarding the reforms, Momper said that they were following the developments especially about minority rights with great appreciation.
Earlier in the day, Arinc was received by President Johannes Rau of Germany.
On June 15, Arinc will meet with CDU/CSU Federal Parliamentary Group Chairman Angel Merkel, Union 90/Greens Federal Parliamentary Group Chairperson Krista Sager and Federal Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Commission Chairman Volker Ruhe.
Arinc will meet with Berlin State Prime Minister and Mayor Klaus Wowereit on June 16.
He is scheduled to meet with North Rhine Westphalia State Prime Minister Steinbruck in Germany on June 17.
Arinc is expected to return to Turkey on June 18.
(GC-AÖ) 14.06.2004