ERDOGAN EXPRESSES UNEASINESS OVER PROPOSAL FOR RECOGNITION OF ALLEGATIONS OF SO-CALLED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE IN GERMAN PARLIAMENT
ANKARA (AA) - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday conveyed German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder the uneasiness Turkey felt over the proposal of German Christian Democrats for recognition of allegations of so-called Armenian genocide in German Parliament.
Erdogan and Schroeder held a joint press conference after their tete-a-tete meeting in Turkish capital of Ankara.
Mentioning the draft law brought to the German Federal Parliament as regards to the allegations of so-called Armenian genocide, Erdogan said, ``we have conveyed Turkey`s serious uneasiness and expectations over the Christian Democrat draft resolution.``
Erdogan-Schroeder meeting also focused on Turkey`s accession process to the European Union (EU).
``Again pertaining to Cyprus issue, we had the opportunity to assess the developments after April 24th. We have exchanged views on various regional and international issues including the Middle East peace process. I conveyed Mr. Schroeder Turkey`s satisfaction over the support it has expended for the decision for start of Turkey`s entry talks.``
-TALKS IN THE AFTERNOON WILL FOCUS ON ECONOMY-
Erdogan emphasized that leading businessmen of Turkey and Germany would meet in Istanbul, and stated that a meeting would be held where around 600 businessmen would attend.
``I believe that this visit will be fruitful for the peoples of the two countries and for dynamic elements of Turkey and Germany,`` Erdogan said.
Erdogan said trade volume between Turkey and Germany was exceeding 21 million US dollars in 2004. He said Turkish citizens living in Germany and the German tourists visiting Turkey helped improvement of relations.
``Obviously, Germany is one of the leading partners of Turkey in political, economic, cultural and social platforms,`` Erdogan said.
-SEMINARY SCHOOL-
Asked if Schroeder asked for opening of Seminary, Erdogan said, ``Mr. Schroeder has not made any demand about the seminary.``
When journalists reminded Erdogan the news reports in German media that Germany wanted to sell leopard tanks to Turkey, he said, ``there are several studies between Turkey and Germany in defense industry, however those were not discussed during our meeting. We already consider them as the steps pertaining to all economic and commercial investments. Businessmen and investments can discuss this issue during the talks in Istanbul.
Schroeder was later received by Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer.
2005-05-04