ANKARA - ''Turkey will be one of the countries which will contribute to Middle East peace process,'' said Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul.
Gul held a news conference in Ankara on Wednesday.
Gul said, ''it is pleasing that Israeli Premier Ariel Sharon and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas agreed to end mutual violence, which has been continuing for more than 5 years, during the meeting in Sharm el-Sheikh yesterday.''
''Following the cease-fire between the two sides, steps which accelerate peace process are envisaged to be taken. Forming a joint Security Cooperation Committee, withdrawal of Israel from several cities of Palestine and release of a group of Palestinian convicts are among these steps which are pleasing for us,'' he added.
Gul said, ''Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom and Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Shaat called me on the phone today and gave detailed information about the summit. They also asked for the continuation of Turkey's support.''
Regarding Turkey's contribution to Palestine, Gul said, ''Turkey will donate 25.000 police uniform to Palestine within 1,5-2 months. Also, we will increase training opportunities for Palestinian security forces. Within the scope of a special action plan for Palestine in 2003, we decided to increase and diversify aid to that country. Thus, we assigned Vehbi Dincerler as Palestine Economic and Social Cooperation Coordinator in May 2004.''
Gul said, ''Turkey envisages to focus on development projects in Palestine. Thus, we sent humanitarian aid worth of 1 million U.S. dollars in 2004. Also, we signed a donation agreement worth of 900.000 U.S. dollars with Palestine on December 21st, 2004 to support small and medium scale projects.''
''In March, chairmen of Turkey, Israel and Palestine Chambers of Trade will convene in Ankara and assess the ways of development of commercial and economic relations,'' added Gul.
-VISIT OF ''DISI'' CHAIRMAN-
Asked about the statements of Nikos Anastasiadis, leader of Greek Cypriot Democratic Mobilization Party (DISI), who said he is expecting a gesture from Turkey such as withdrawal of (Turkish) troops from Cyprus, Gul said, ''Turkish army is under the command of Turkish government and Parliament. All decisions are political. If Turkish army is there (in TRNC), it is the will of the government and parliament, and its deployment is based on international agreements.''
''Greek Cypriots rejected a plan which envisages the withdrawal of Turkish troops from the island. The army and government in Turkey are not separate. Everything is performed within legal frames. The places of army, government and parliament are different, but it is wrong to claim that army and government think different,'' he indicated.
Gul also added that ''Turkey supports a solution (in Cyprus)''
Upon a question, Gul said, ''Turkey will not recognize Greek Cypriot Administration until a final solution is found (to the Cyprus problem). However, we meet Greek Cypriots and we do not avoid any dialogue, especially if it contributes to the solution of the problem.''