Gul: Application Of Greek Cypriot Side To OIC For Observer Status Is Out Of Question

ISTANBUL - Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said application of the Greek Cypriot side to OIC for observer status was regardless of question.
Gul held a press conference following the 31st Session of the Islamic Conference of the Foreign Ministers.
When journalists reminded Gul the news reports that Greek Cypriot side planned to apply the OIC for observer status, he said, ``this is out of question.``
Replying to a question, Gul said Russia was closely interested in OIC, and that Moscow applied to the organization as observer, and that a decision could be taken after the committees evaluate the issue.
Asked what kind of a role Turkey would take within the scope of OIC in democratization and modernization process, Gul said the method of discussing the issue was important.
Gul said Turkey thought that Islam world should make reforms within itself and that it should evaluate the issue with the intellectuals of the region, scientists and politicians and find a way for solution.
Pointing out that it was not possible to record progress on those issues without solution of Palestinian problem, Gul said it would also be wrong to wait for the solution of the problem to take action.
Gul said the issue should be organized within Islam world.
When asked about the contribution of the organization to the transition period of Iraq, Gul said Iraq was a part of Islam world and that an organization representing Islam world can not be expected to remain indifferent to Iraq.
Emphasizing that Islam countries should be more active, Gul said Turkey, during its term presidency would be in an effort to direct all the powers of the Islam world to this issue.
Asked whether or not Islam countries made a criticism toward Turkish-Israeli relations, Gul said Turkey`s policy was clear, stressing that Turkish candidate Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu became Secretary General of the OIC and that this was an indication that Turkey`s policies were appreciated by the Islam world.
Asked if there was a disagreement between Turkey and Saudi Arabia regarding the elections, Gul said this was out of question and that Saudi Arabia was clear and honest.

(AY-AÖ) 16.06.2004