ANKARA - ''The EU issue is always Turkey's priority,'' said Turkish Justice Minister & government spokesman Cemil Cicek on Monday.
Following the Council of Ministers meeting, Cicek told reporters, ''the first Turkey-EU Troika meeting after December 17th, 2004 was held today. Participants discussed accession partnership accord, issues about the EU entry talks and dialogue process for preparation of European and Turkish public opinion to the EU issue during Troika meeting.''
''There is no indecision and disruption within this process. Four laws and seventeen regulations came into force after December 17th in Turkey,'' he added.
''Activities about this issue will continue. EU issue is always Turkey's priority,'' he noted.
Cicek said, ''Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul informed members of Council of Ministers about this issue.''
When asked whether they discussed the incidents which occurred in yesterday's demonstrations held in Istanbul to mark the March 8th International Women's Day, Cicek said that the issue was not discussed during the Council of Ministers meeting but it was taken up in Troika meeting.
Cicek said, ''we do not want such demonstrations to end in that way. Everybody in Turkey has the right to hold demonstrations and marches within the scope of laws. We have made important changes regarding this issue and removed several restrictions.''
''Security forces in Turkey approach such incidents with tolerance. However, such incidents also occur in EU countries during demonstrations of people who are against globalization and the police in EU countries do not greet those demonstrators with flowers,'' he added.
Cicek said, ''we do not approve such incidents. However, police is a state force which represents laws.''