WASHINGTON, D.C. (AA) - Turkey's Ambassador in Washington, D.C. Faruk Logoglu stated that they expect the European Union to make a decision in favor of Turkey on December 17th.
     ''We are expecting the accession talks to begin in the second half of 2005,'' said Logoglu.
     In a meeting of the European-American Business Council (EABC) in Washington, D.C., Logoglu expressed that even if a negative decision is taken about Turkey at the EU summit in December, this will not result in Turkey's abandoning of its commitment and loyalty to the western world.
     ''We will not turn our faces to the Islamic world, Russia or Central Asia even if we do not receive a date from the EU for entry talks,'' remarked Logoglu.
     Participating in an interview on the American C-Span TV, Logoglu answered calls from different parts of the U.S. ''Turkey, as a full member of the EU, will help U.S. strategic, security and political interests. EU member Turkey will contribute to the strength of alliance between Turkey and the U.S.''
     In response to two participants who criticized Turkey and blamed the Turkish people for the problems of the U.S. forces in Iraq, Logoglu noted that this accusation is unfair and baseless. ''Turkey has supported the U.S. and its allies in their attempts to establish lasting stability and peace in Iraq.''
     Logoglu mentioned during the interview that after Turkey decided not to open its southern border with Iraq for U.S. troops, it has opened its air space for the use of American forces. ''Turkey is providing logistical support for U.S. forces and is helping the rebuilding efforts in Iraq. Turkey has lost 60 of its citizens during her attempts to make Iraq be a better place to live,'' told Logoglu.
     In response to a question on Iran, Ambassador Logoglu stated that Iran is a big country. ''Iran is a big civilization. The nuclear matter of Iran is a matter of concern for us Turkey as well. Our allies and the International Atomic Energy Association are trying to end Iran's nuclear aspirations. We support initiatives on this topic, including those by France, Germany and Britain.''
     (ES-MS)
2004-11-24