ANKARA - Turkish Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul left for Germany on Sunday.
Prior to his departure, Gul told reporters that he will go to Germany as the guest of German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer. He said, ''Germany is one of the important partners of Turkey and it is also locomotive country of the EU.''
''We will discuss bilateral relations with Fischer. We will also take up the situation of Turkish citizens in Germany and Turkey-EU relations. This will be the first visit to an EU country after the European Commission released its report on October 6th,'' he added.
When asked whether he will convey some reservations of Turkey about the recommendatory part in the report, Gul said, ''certainly we will discuss Turkey's views. And we will also listen to their views. I will convey Turkey's expectations.''
Noting, ''there is a big debate in Europe about Turkey,'' Gul said, ''I will have the chance to see these debates in its place.''
When recalled the debates at French Assembly about Turkey's EU membership and asked whether he will ask for a support from Germany about this issue, Gul said, ''Europe is an open community and certainly everybody will discuss this issue. We are not reluctant. All we wanted is Europe's not acting unjustly to Turkey during these debates. We cannot accept injustice.''
''Germany is one of the most important supporters of Turkey throughout this process and it has made many things. In Germany-France relations Turkey issue is discussed and Germany helped Turkey,'' he noted.
When asked which messages he will give to Angela Merkel, leader of German Christian Democrat Union (CDU), during their meeting, Gul said, ''CDU is one the important parties of Germany and we will talk with Merkel honestly.''
CDU previously supported signature campaign which was started about Turkey and then withdrew its support.
''When we visit Germany or any EU country, we do not go for fighting with those who are against Turkey's membership. We will try to correct some issues which are known wrong,'' said Gul.
Upon a question about Turkey's buying Leopard-2 tanks from Germany, Gul said, ''purchase of these tanks will be set within the frame of military needs. Turkey is not on the position of 10 years ago. Its needs are revised. Turkey has entered a new process and while it is renewing itself it revises its defense needs.''
Gul is also scheduled to hold talks with German Federal Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Commission Chairman Volker Ruhe, Free Democrat Party (FDP) leader Guido Westerwelle and Christian Democrat Union (CDU) leader Angela Merkel.
He will also meet representatives of Turkish associations in Germany.
(GC-UK) 17.10.2004