ANKARA - Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul met French Minister Delegate for European Affairs Claudie Haignere in Ankara today (Monday).
In a joint press conference after the meeting between Gul and Haignere, Gul stated that Haignere's visit was the second highest one from France after the December 17th summit.
Gul said that Haignere and he discussed the EU process and projects to be completed during this process. ''I informed Haignere that political reforms would continue in Turkey,'' remarked Gul. ''We also talked about economic reforms in Turkey.''
According to Gul, the reforms taking place in Turkey are made for the Turkish people. ''We went over the negotiations process that will start on October 3rd, screening process and other processes,'' stressed Gul. ''We discussed our projects to better inform the French public on Turkey and its EU process.''
During their meeting, Gul thanked Haignere for the support the French government provided at the December 17th summit and in the EU process.
''Our current visit is a direct result of the December 17th summit,'' told Haignere. ''The December 17th summit decided on October as the time when entry negotiations with Turkey will begin. This will be a long and difficult road for both Turkey and the EU. As in all negotiations, it is hard to predict the outcome of the negotiations. However, I want to congratulate Turkey for the reforms it has portrayed in the areas of democracy, human rights and economic development. You (Turkey) have made some very important and vital reforms. There is still a lot that Turkey must do. It is in Turkey's hands to demonstrate that Turkey can complete the process successfully. Turkey has a chance to fulfill all the political and economic criteria required to enter the EU. France is ready to support Turkey in its journey towards full membership in the EU,'' stressed Haignere.
Reminded by a journalist about an upcoming French referendum on Turkey's EU membership, Haignere noted that the EU is based on peaceful and neighborly relations. ''The concept of a referendum is not applicable only in the case of Turkey. Countries such as Britain, Denmark and Norway went through a referendum process. A referendum on Turkey is the desire of the French public. The French public want to have a say on the enlargement of the EU,'' indicated Haignere.
In response to a question on the isolation of Turkish Cypriots, Haignere commented that France and the EU support the economic development of Turkish Cypriots and all related projects.
''France and the EU support reunification of the island (Cyprus). The Cyprus process should continue within the UN via the EU's support.''
Asked what she thinks on Iran's nuclear program, Haignere stated that the EU will portray a definite and careful approach towards the topic of Iranian nuclear program. ''Certain assurances must be made by Iran,'' expressed Haignere.