LONDON - Turkish Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Monday that the entry negotiations with the European Union (EU) would be a test for Turkey's resistance and patience, adding, ''I believe that Turkey will pass this test successfully.''
Speaking at a conference at the London School of Economics, Gul, who is currently paying a four-day official visit to Britain, said, ''we are determined to further improve our bilateral relations with Britain.''
Referring to Turkey-the EU relations, Gul said, ''Turkey and the EU have created a synergy in economy and politics. As a result, Turkey became an attractive country for European investors. Recently, diplomatic consultations between Turkey and the EU have increased. Turkey and the EU have also succeeded in creating a joint power to overcome problems such as fundamentalism, racism and anti-Semitism. After the EU decided to open entry talks with Turkey on October 3rd, the Turkish government has given priority to the negotiation process with the EU. Therefore, our reforms will continue rapidly.''
''We are aware of that the negotiation process will not be easy. The negotiation process will be a test for Turkey's resistance and patience. I believe that Turkey will pass this test successfully,'' he said.
Referring to the Cyprus issue, Gul said, ''both Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) have extended full support to a solution in the island. Turkey's only target is to protect rights and security of the Turkish Cypriots. As you know, Turkish Cypriot people supported United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan's plan in the referendum on April 24th. However, embargoes and isolation imposed on them have still been continuing.''
''Turkey also holds consultations with Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia with the aim of providing peace in southern Caucasus. After Israel withdraws from Gaza, international community will have to expend more efforts to resolve the economic problems and the issue of security in the region,'' he said.
Upon a question about Turkey-the United States relations, Gul said that the relations had been progressing on the right track.
Replying to another question, Gul said, ''there is not any problem about signing of the protocol about the Customs Union. However, Turkey's signing the protocol will not mean recognition of the Greek Cypriot side. There are two separate states and two separate nations on the island.''
Upon a question about the events during a demonstration in Istanbul marking the International Women's Day, Gul said, ''we do not approve such events. We have launched an investigation into them. Such events can be experienced anywhere in the world. Turkey has made the necessary reforms, however, it will take time to remove the problems in implementation.''
When asked what would happen if the EU Constitution was rejected in referendums in France and the other countries, Gul said, ''it may lead to a crisis both in the EU and in those countries. Such a crisis can normally affect Turkey.''