MAASTRICHT - Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Saturday that it would be unjust to disregard Turkey's reform studies, which can be considered as civilian revolution, by showing an article outlawing adultery as pretext.
Gul met ministers of EU member countries during an unofficial meeting of the foreign ministers hosted by EU Acting President the Netherlands.
Gul who later replied to the questions of reporters, pointed out that important steps were taken in Turkey in the past two years. ''It is not right to try to overshadow the successful studies with an article outlawing adultery.''
Stating that the reforms were fulfilled as the Turkish people deserved them, Gul said, ''several issues, which had been problem six months ago, have been overcome now. We will continue the studies even if we start entry talks with the EU. Turkish Penal Code (TCK) can be considered within this scope. It is wrong and exaggeration to overshadow those reform studies with only one article. There is not a concrete text on the issue yet. Moreover, we don't know how the parliament will act when it opens.''
-''EU SHOULD PRESERVE ITS SELF-ESTEEM ON CYPRUS ISSUE''
Gul said he believed that European Union (EU) would do what is necessary to lift the trade embargo imposed on Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and adopt a stance preserving its self-esteem on this issue.
Recalling that EU acted together with the United Nations (UN) in solution of Cyprus question and made joint calls to both sides, Gul said the Turkish side abided by the call of the EU and said ''yes'' but the Greek Cypriot side said ''no''.
Gul also said he met his Bulgarian and Greek counterparts at the working lunch, stating that his meetings were very fruitful.
Gul said he had a beneficial meeting with Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molivyatis and reviewed the topics on the agenda.
Foreign Minister Gul said that at the meeting he conveyed Turkey's views on developments in Iraq, Iran, Middle East and the Caucasus.
Stating that he attracted the attention to gradually increasing civilian losses in Iraq, Gul said all those countries should assist each other.
Gul later returned to Turkey.
(AY) 05.09.2004