ANKARA - Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said, ''Turkey takes determined steps in EU process.''
Gul visited Scientific & Technical Research Center of Turkey (TUBITAK) Deputy Chairman Nukhet Yetis on Thursday.
Upon a question prior to the meeting regarding the criticisms of Hansjorg Kretschmer, the head of the Delegation of the European Commission to Turkey, that Turkey slowed down in implementation of reforms after December 17th Summit, Gul said, ''I cannot reply him as Foreign Minister. Turkey made its preparations. The EU should undertake its responsibilities as well.''
''Turkey takes determined steps in EU process. We are very determined to pursue this process successfully,'' he added.
Gul noted, ''both the government and Turkey are determined in EU issue. We know what to do very well. Turkey's priority is to carry out EU process in the most healthy and best way.''
''We will bring the standards of the most developed countries of the EU to Turkey within that process. Thus, EU will continue to be our priority,'' he noted.
Upon a question about his meeting with Minister Delegate for Foreign Affairs & Immigration Nicolas Schmit of Luxembourg which holds the rotating EU presidency, in previous days, Gul said that their meeting was very fruitful.
When asked whether the name of chief negotiator will be announced prior to Turkey-EU Troika meeting on March 7th, Gul said that it will be announced by Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He added, ''the name of chief negotiator will be announced before or after the Troika meeting.''
Gul said, ''the government attributes very much importance to scientific and technologic studies. TUBITAK will have important responsibilities throughout EU process.''
''There is a great potential in this area in Turkey. The importance of technological researches is increasing,'' he noted.