A Political Party Is Closed In Denmark Only If It Resorts To Violence, Moeller

ANKARA - Danish FM Per Stig Moeller said Tuesday a political party is closed in Denmark only if it resorts to violence.
Such political issues are not debated in courts, he told a joint press conference with Turkish FM Ali Babacan in capital Ankara.
Moeller said he does not want to intervene in internal policy of Turkey, and hoped Turkey will solve the issue as soon as possible.
On the impact of the closure cases against two political parties (Justice & Development Party and Democratic Society Party) on Turkey`s EU membership process, Moeller said the EU has not made any political decision about this issue so far.
However, such a situation may hamper political process of Turkey, he told and hoped this issue may be solved within democratic views and values.
The place where political struggle is given should be courts, he told.

-TURKISH-DANISH RELATIONS-
On the other hand, Moeller said he signed a memorandum of understanding with Babacan that aims to improve bilateral relations.
Moeller said Turkey has hosted 250,000 Danish tourists so far and he has seen that Turkey wants to host more tourists. He told he can understand it because Turkey is a beautiful country.
On fight against terrorism, Moeller said Turkey and Denmark will counter terrorism together and his country can understand Turkey`s fight against terrorism.

-EU MEMBERSHIP & HOMEWORK-
Moeller said he hopes they can see Turkey as an EU member, but said EU membership depends on whether or not Turkey does its homework. By homework, Moeller said, he wanted to mean Article 301 of Turkish Penal Code (TCK).
On Cyprus problem, Moeller said the two parties in the island should make use of opportunities, and this way they can see a reunified Cyprus.

-ROJ TV-
On the ROJ TV that makes broadcasts backing the terrorist organization PKK, Moeller said his country is cooperating with Turkey to combat terrorism, and the security departments are working on steps to prevent terrorists from sending money or other things to anywhere.
Moeller said prosecutors are examining the file regarding Roj TV and commented that whether or not to bring the file to court is a decision that will be made by the prosecutor. It has nothing to do with the government, he told.
The Danish FM hoped the prosecutor will complete the investigation as soon as possible.

-TURKEY TO GO ON WITH ITS REFORMS-
On the other hand, Babacan said Turkey is determined to improve its relations with Denmark and welcomed Denmark`s support to Turkey`s EU membership bid.
"We have signed a memorandum of understanding to improve our relations," he told.
Babacan said they also discussed situation of Turkish citizens living in Denmark and expressed deep sorrow over killing of citizen Deniz Uzun by racists.
"The investigation should be concluded as soon as possible," he told.
Babacan said Turkey will continue its road to EU and reforms with determination.
On Cyprus problem, Babacan said the problem should be solved under the auspices of the UN.
(BRC)