Gul: We Are Closely Monitoring Developments In Kyrgyzstan

ANKARA - Turkish Acting Prime Minister Abdullah Gul has stated that the new leadership in Kyrgyzstan is comprised of friends of the Turks. ''There is no anti-Turkish sentiment in Kyrgyzstan.''
In a speech delivered at the Turkish parliament to his fellow Justice and Development (AKP) deputies, Gul elaborated on certain international issues.
''We are closely monitoring the developments that took place in Kyrgyzstan. Certain movements took place in the streets of Kyrgyzstan after the national elections. Opposition members came to the Kyrgyz capital. A change in the government of Kyrgyzstan took place. Those figures who now rule the republic of Kyrgyzstan are known by us as friends of the Turks. These are individuals who have a serious and honest governmental background. They are friends of Turkey and Turks all across the globe,'' told Gul.
Acting prime minister Gul indicated that Turkey has sent a team of experts to Kyrgyzstan as of the first day of civilian unrest. ''The first delegation to arrive in Kyrgyzstan was that of Turkey on the first day of civilian protests. The Turkish airplane was the first one to land in Kyrgyzstan after the unrest took place. The Turkish delegation was headed by our former ambassador Metin Goker, who served as the first Turkish ambassador to Kyrgyzstan after Kyrgyzstan's declaration of its independence, and Caucasus Department Chair of the Turkish ministry of foreign affairs. Our experts held meetings with all prominent dignitaries. Both sides assured each other that mutual relations will continue and do so at a better pace compared to the past.''
Gul stressed that everything is under control in Kyrgyzstan. ''A change has taken place. The result is not very clear yet. We wish that presidential and parliamentary elections will soon take place in Kyrgyzstan. As Turks, we hope that our Kyrgyz brothers and sisters will elect their own new leaders. If such developments take place with patience and silence, Kyrgyzstan will be the winner.''
One of the principles of the OSCE is respect for human rights. ''Furthermore, the OSCE strives to develop democracies and generate more transparency in governmental management and affairs. We hope that the developments in Kyrgyzstan will take place in this direction. Stability on one hand and peace, freedom and transparency on the other hand... As Turks, we believe that Kyrgyzstan will continue to prosper in a strong fashion,'' commented Gul.
Gul mentioned during his speech that Turkey will continue to have excellent ties with other Turkish republics in the region.
-EU PROCESS-
Meanwhile, Gul touched on the subject of the European Union during his speech at the Turkish parliament. ''Turkey's EU process is continuing decisively. There is certainly no change in our approach to the EU. We have a goal of joining the EU and we will continue making reforms for our society to reach the EU standards. Our reforms are both political and economic. We have not lost any conviction in our road to the EU membership. Membership negotiations will start at the right time. We will openly discuss certain topics before 2005 is over and perhaps witness the end of certain arguments...''
Noting that there were some developments on EU acquis, Gul said that Customs Union protocol was the part of an ongoing process. Gul reminded the deputies that EU's 10 new members, including Greek Cypriot side, automatically undertake the responsibilities of EU acquis; that are, EU law, regulations and all agreements EU has made with other countries. Underlining that some of these agreements were made with Turkey, including the Customs Union agreement between Turkey and the EU, Gul said the agreement was related with the free circulation of goods, and opening the ports and airports was out of question. ''There has not been any signature on the part of Turkey yet. This process will take many more months based on the EU domestic regulations. Once the time is appropriate, we will sign the necessary documents. Turkey's posture will continue as it has been in the past as neither the Greek Cypriot side nor the TRNC and Turkey recognize each other.'' Gul added that a lasting solution also should be found to the Cyprus question for a change in Turkey's position.
Gul underlined that Turkey wishes for a lasting solution in Cyprus. ''We have not lost our belief in the United Nations and will continue to support UN efforts on Cyprus. We have full confidence that a solution in Cyprus will take place under the auspices of the UN. Turkey will continue to recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.''
-TURKEY'S INTERESTS-
Gul added that the future and interests of Turkey can not be jeopardized by 600,000 individuals (Greek Cypriot side). ''Turkey will act smartly. Turkey will not be negatively influenced by radicals in the EU. Of course, there are matters of concern for all of us. There could be opposition members in Turkey. There might be circles in the EU who are against the membership of Turkey who has a population of 70 million. We will continue on the track that we have followed for decades,'' expressed Gul.