ANKARA - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that signing of Additional Protocol of the Ankara Agreement did not mean recognition of Greek Cypriot side.
Erdogan received European Commissioner for enlargement Olli Rehn.
Speaking after the meeting, Rehn said he shared the views of Erdogan, and noted that technical studies regarding Turkey's EU membership process were progressing well. Rehn also said he had very fruitful meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul.
Rehn said he was pleased to learn during today's meeting that several misunderstandings were overcome.
Stating that screening and negotiation process could be carried out jointly and that negotiations could start after December 3rd, Rehn said they were also pleased that Foreign Minister Gul stated that Additional Protocol of the Ankara Agreement would be signed before October 3rd.
When Rehn stated that they wanted to be more proactive about Cyprus question following the presidential elections to be held in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in April, Erdogan said, ''we will be pleased''.
Rehn said, ''we are aware that UN is the solution basis of Cyprus question,'' stating that the energy that should be wasted for negotiations was used for Cyprus question. Rehn said they wished the Cyprus question to be solved soon.
Erdogan briefed Rehn about the referendum held in Cyprus on April 24th and the process after the referendum.
Rehn said building stones of the negotiation framework would be determined in June about the Accession Partnership Accord, noting that European Commission would have the opportunity to make the basis more clear till September.
Rehn said improvement of dialogue between the NGOs in Europe and Turkey would facilitate public opinion of several European countries, criticizing Turkey's membership, know Turkey better.
Describing Turkey's studies about the reforms well, Rehn said they welcomed continuation of reform process that would strengthen supremacy of law.