Gul: Holding Such A Vote For Office Of O.I.C. Secretary General Is A First Step For O.I.C.

ISTANBUL - Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Wednesday that holding such a vote for the office of Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) was held for the first time in history of OIC and stressed that ''it is a first step for the OIC.''
Gul who held a press conference after the 31st session of OIC Foreign Ministers said that he was very pleased with holding such a vote for OIC secretary general in Istanbul.
Thanking Malaysia and Bangladesh for withdrawing their candidates from vote, Gul said that appointing Turkish candidate Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu for the office of OIC secretary general brought great responsibility to Turkey. Gul noted that Turkey would do its utmost on this issue and fulfill its responsibility.
Stating that an ''Istanbul spirit'' has emerged in this meeting, he said that it was confirmed in speeches of representatives of OIC members.
Gul, ''discussions that were held boldly in Istanbul showed that problems of Islam world can be solved maturely. Those things show that there is a new maturation and a new activity in Islam world.''
Stating that there was compromise and great understanding in making decisions in the meeting, Gul said that it was a great success and change.
Gul added that Turkey would also host NATO summit, EURO-MED and OIC-EU Joint Forum this year.
(EÖ-AÖ) 16.06.2004