KAYSERI - Turkish Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Saturday that entry talks with the European Union (EU) would last long, but they would continue to work hard.
Replying to questions of reporters, Gul said that a historic step was taken with the EU Progress Report, noting that they expected European Council which would convene on December 17th to start entry negotiations with Turkey without delay as it was earlier decided.
''There are many matters on which we will work. When a decision is made on starting negotiations with Turkey, a conference between governments will convene under the acting presidency of Luxembourg. An official ceremony will be held and negotiations with Turkey will be started. It will last long. Everyone knows it,'' Gul noted. Stating that there would be important changes in Turkey during this process, he said that they would continue to work hard. Gul noted that laws and regulations would be passed, adding that Turkey's standards would be brought to the level of EU standards.
-FLOW OF FOREIGN CAPITAL-
After Turkey and EU started entry talks, they expected a great amount of foreign capital flow to Turkey, he stated.
Noting that flow of foreign capital meant increase of investment, decrease in unemployment and rise in exports, Gul said that they hoped that the following period would continue successfully. He added that ruling and opposition parties, NGOs and press would continue to work together.
-''NORTH OF IRAQ ISSUE IS OVER''-
Answering a question on the situation of Turkmens in elections to be held in Iraq, Gul said that lists would be prepared across the country, noting that regional elections would not be held.
''Shiites, Sunnis or Turkmens can live in different regions, but they can vote on whatever they want,'' he noted. Stating that there could be some problems due to difficult conditions, Gul noted that but it was a very important development to hold elections in this country.
Gul said, ''we support elections. We told Iraq that we will extend every kind of support on elections. They were pleased with that. North of Iraq issue is over. There is a single Iraq now.''
Stating that there were distinguished leaders in Iraq, he said that (Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party leader Masoud) Barzani would arrive in Turkey on Monday. Gul said that important issues regarding to the future of Iraq would be discussed during his visit.
Answering another question, Gul said that Iraq did not demand soldiers from Turkey.
(EÖ-BRC) 09.10.2004