BRDO - Turkish Foreign Minister & Chief Negotiator for EU talks Ali Babacan said on Saturday that EU reform process should continue separately from political atmosphere.
Babacan who attended informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Slovenia told Turkish reporters that he met EU Commissioner for enlargement Olli Rehn and they discussed reform process in Turkey, Cyprus issue as well as EU negotiation process.
"Rehn expressed pleasure over implementation of Foundations Law within the scope of EU reform process," said Babacan.
He noted that the next most important step in reform process will be article 301 of Turkish Penal Code (TCK).
Noting that a new milieu emerged after the elections in Greek Cypriot administration, Babacan said that certainly UN parameters will be taken as basis in solution of Cyprus question.
He said that EU cannot undertake a neutral role any more in Cyprus issue, adding that solution address for Cyprus question is UN.
"During my bilateral talks with EU officials, I proposed them to lift sanctions over Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC); and in return we open our ports and airports to Greek Cypriot traffic," he added.
Babacan said that the solution which will be preferred in Cyprus problem is parties` setting up a "partnership state based on political equality" by reaching a consensus.
Noting that Turkey took very important steps in economy area, Babacan said that however Turkey needs a constitution which is more harmonious with Copenhagen political criteria in legal area.
Within the scope of informal meeting of EU foreign ministers, Babacan held bilateral meetings with Rehn as well as foreign ministers of Poland, Lithuania, Sweden, Germany and Czech Republic.
(GC)