ANKARA - Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul stressed Turkey's determination in pursuing of reforms and expressed sorrow over delay in approval of regulations for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) during Turkey-EU Troika meeting in Ankara on Monday.
Turkey and the EU revised developments which have been recorded after December 17th, 2004 and they also exchanged views about the path to be followed until October 3rd, 2005, the date when entry talks for Turkey will start.
Diplomatic sources said that during the meeting Gul noted that it is important to turn the period until October 3rd to account and informed participants about the reforms which have been adopted so far.
Gul stressed the determination of Turkish government in pursuing of reforms and said that several implementations which concern EU will be effective and comprehensive. Gul added that it will be beneficial not to haste in several issues because it is necessary to consider in longer term in these areas.
Cyprus issue and signing of Customs Union Supplementary Protocol were also brought onto agenda during the meeting. Gul explained Cyprus process to EU representatives and expressed sorrow over the delay of approval of regulations for the TRNC despite the promises which the EU gave in return for Turkish side's steps.
Gul repeated the commitment for signing of Supplementary Protocol and said that they were expecting steps from other parties regarding the TRNC.
Problems regarding NATO-EU strategical cooperation were also discussed in the meeting. Turkish party conveyed uneasiness that Greek Cypriot side exploits this issue for political purposes.
European Commissioner for enlargement Olli Rehn said during the meeting that the delay in documents which European Commission will prepare regarding Turkey was caused by the referendum which will be held in France.