ANKARA - ''Turkey's top priority is its relations with the EU as well as EU process,'' said Turkish Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul.
Turkey-EU Troika meeting in Ankara ended on Monday. Following the meeting, Gul told reporters, ''we have exchanged views on many dimensions of our relations. We have discussed NATO-EU relations, Iran, Iraq, Middle East, Cyprus issues as well as security of Europe during the meeting.''
''Reforms (in Turkey) will continue,'' Gul said and noted, ''when EU decided to open entry talks with Turkey, they said that Turkey passed the critical threshold. This means there are preparations and issues to be fulfilled.'' He added, ''many laws related to reforms have been adopted by the Turkish parliament since December 17th Brussels Summit in 2004.''
''We attach importance to adopting reforms as well as implementing them. Implementation of these reforms is important for both our relations with the EU and the prestige of our people. We monitor the developments regarding reforms through the reform follow-up committee,'' he noted.
Gul said, ''we are sorry for the incidents that happened during an illegal demonstration in Istanbul yesterday. Everybody should obey the laws. However, police should sensitively take action against such incidents. Necessary investigation has been opened into yesterday's incidents. There might have been provocations, but our police officers should be careful against such provocations.''
''Also Cyprus issue was discussed during Troika meeting. Negotiations on signing of adjustment protocol continue positively. The protocol will be signed when the time has come. Turkey will allow Customs Union to function,'' said Gul.
Gul said, ''the meeting was very fruitful. We are aware of an impression both in Turkey and the EU that Turkey has slowed down recently.''
''We have years in front of us, and EU activities are continuing at normal speed,'' he added.
Gul said, ''there is no disruption. Turkey and the Turkish government will complete EU process in the best way.''
ASSELBORN: ''IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAINTAIN RHYTHM OF REFORMS''
''Turkey fulfilled very important reforms within the scope of EU process. It is very important to maintain the rhythm of reforms,'' said EU Acting President Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn.
Asselborn told reporters, ''reforms were on the top of the agenda of our meeting. Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul informed us about the amendments which are fulfilled in legal area in Turkey. These show that reform process has no return, and relations between Turkey and the EU is deep.''
''We have also taken up non-Muslim minorities issue during the meeting. We want Foundations Law to be adopted soon. We support 'zero tolerance' policy of Turkish government against torture. We hope this policy to be implemented in the most remote areas of Turkey,'' he added.
Noting, ''EU attaches great importance to removal of regional differences,'' Asselborn said, ''we welcome steps which were taken in broadcast in various languages. We hope these are first steps of further reforms.''
He added, ''we will make necessary preparations for starting talks (with Turkey) on October 3rd.'' -NO TO VIOLENCE-
Asselborn said, ''we condemn every type of violence including the one which was imposed on women and young people by security forces during incidents in yesterday's demonstrations in Istanbul. We welcome Turkish government's attitude to investigate this issue.''
Upon a question when the EU will keep its promises regarding Cyprus, Asselborn said, ''Adjustment Protocol may be signed within a few weeks. If it is signed, our hand will be stronger to impose necessary pressure to adopt two regulations regarding Cyprus. We hope this issue will be solved during our Presidency.''
Upon another question about NATO-EU strategical cooperation and participation of Greek Cypriot administration in this process, Asselborn said, ''NATO-EU meeting and participation of 25 EU member countries in this meeting is important for European Atlantic dialogue. We had the impression that Turkey will be ready to take positive steps. We attach importance to NATO-EU strategical cooperation.''
REHN: ''WE NEED DETERMINATION TO COMPLETE THE JOB ON TIME''
''There are many things which Turkey should complete within EU process. We will need determination to complete them on time,'' said European Commissioner for enlargement Olli Rehn.
Rehn said, ''the EU will prepare framework document in June or July and it will announce accession partnership accord within the scope of progress report probably in November.''
''We attribute importance to Turkey's signing customs union supplementary protocol. We were assured that supplementary protocol will be signed on time. It is important for Turkey to pursue reform process. We will need strength and determination to complete the job on time,'' said Rehn.
Rehn noted, ''we attach importance to implementation of reforms in every places of Turkey, 'zero tolerance' policy against torture, cultural rights, women's rights and economic development of southeast Anatolia. We also condemn every type of violence regarding the incidents which occurred in Istanbul yesterday.''
Rehn said, ''we also discussed Cyprus issue. Two regulations regarding commercial and financial assistance are still on table of the EU. We hope both regulations will be approved soon and direct trade will start.''
''Decision on start of entry talks with Turkey has brought a momentum and this can be used for development of new initiatives in Cyprus. The EU can contribute to a possible new process which will start under the leadership of the UN with confidence-building measures. We, as the EU, want to undertake active role,'' noted Rehn.
Upon a question when the EU will approve regulations, Rehn said, ''a progress may be recorded in spring.''
When asked about the role of the EU in case a new negotiation process starts in Cyprus, Rehn said, ''talks should be led by the UN, but we are willing to offer help.''