ANKARA (AA) - Turkish FM & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul has said today (Monday) that, once the European Union completes its technical homework, Turkey will be ready to sign the Additional Protocol related to the Customs Union . ''The EU should not put Turkey into a position as if Turkey is not fulfilling its promise,'' said Gul.
Gul hosted a luncheon at Ankara's Hilton Hotel for the EU ambassadors to celebrate and mark Europe Day.
''We have informed the EU, with open terminology, that we are ready to sign the Additional Protocol. We will put our signature once the EU completes its technical assignment,'' told Gul.
Gul stressed that October 3rd will be the beginning of a new era in Turkey-EU relations. ''The EU takes important steps every year. The signing of the EU constitution, the fifth enlargement wave, and the decision to start accession talks with Turkey were important developments last year,'' noted Gul.
''Turkey is fully committed to become a part of the EU. I want to use this opportunity to congratulate Bulgaria and Romania for signing the accession agreements,'' indicated Gul.
''October 3rd is a date of new beginning between Turkey and EU. Both sides should prepare for this date with utmost care and be open to cooperation. The negotiations will neither be easy nor short. The issues during the talks will test Turkey's patience. Yet I believe that Turkey will finish the race successfully and join the EU eventually,'' commented Gul.
According to Gul, translations of thousands of EU attainments are currently going on. We are inviting negotiators from the new EU members to listen to their experiences, expressed Gul. ''We are working on selecting the chief negotiator and his/her assistants,'' Gul added .
(SOL-ULG)
2005-05-09