VILNIUS - Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul denied the allegations that the Turkish government had ''slowed down'' its reforms on the road to European Union (EU) membership.
Holding a news conference in Vilnius following his meetings in Lithuania where he attended the informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers, Gul said, ''these (claims that Turkish government has slowed down its reforms) are not correct. Turkey and EU are holding all their meetings very fruitfully. As you know, Turkey got a negotiation date (from the EU) on December 17th (2004) since it had fulfilled most of political criteria (required for full membership). We said we had passed the critical stage. But, there are still things Turkey should do particularly in area of democratization. Our government is aware of this, and continues reforms.''
-''WE ALSO SHOCKED THE EU AFTER DECEMBER 17TH''-
Recalling that there was no slowing down in Turkey's reforms, Gul said, ''I would also like to underline that we have made decisions and taken steps, shocking Europe after December 17th.''
Gul stated that Turkey had discussed the adjustment protocol, and noted that the ball was now in EU's court.
''The EU is busy with completing its own process. So, we feel sorry to hear that Turkey is slow. Now, we have some expectations from the EU. The Association Council will convene on Tuesday, and it is the most important and legal organ between the EU and Turkey. Turkey-EU Association Council meeting will be held in Luxembourg on Tuesday. We have prepared well for this meeting. So, Turkey is fulfilling its responsibilities. This matter (EU membership bid) is our priority. There is not any change in our decisiveness (on the road to EU)'', added Gul.