U.S. President Appreciates Turkey's Democracy

ANKARA - U.S. President George Bush appreciated on Sunday Turkey`s being a Muslim country and embracing democracy, rule of law and freedom.
Bush, who visited Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Prime Ministry official residence, said prior to their meeting that the EU should give a date to open negotiations with Turkey, and pledged to do his best for that target.
U.S. President Bush said that this was his first visit to Turkey as the President of the United States and appreciated hospitality of Turkish people.
Bush noted that he expected to discuss regional issues including Iraq, bilateral relations and ways to strengthen NATO in his meetings.
U.S. President Bush will have meeting in Ankara and then proceed to Istanbul on Sunday. Bush is scheduled to attend NATO Heads of State and Government Summit in Istanbul between June 28 and 29.
(BRC) 27.06.2004