ANKARA (AA) - Dutch Ambassador to Turkey Sjoerd Gosses said that it is a sensitive period for Turkey prior to October 3rd, the date when the country will start entry talks with the EU.
Gosses attended the luncheon that Turkish Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul hosted for European Union (EU) ambassadors in Ankara to celebrate Europe Day on Monday.
Expressing positive views about Turkish economy, Gosses said that Turkish economy is in a good condition despite unemployment and debts.
Noting that the EU has several political concerns, Gosses said that Turkey needs further improvement in several areas.
Gosses said that the main concern of the EU is the increasing nationalism in Turkey, adding that they have concerns over several views in Turkey that the insistence of the EU on Turkey`s granting cultural rights to Kurds and other societies would divide the country.
Gosses said that implementation of basic human rights is an important part of Copenhagen criteria, adding that EU will never make concessions regarding this issue.
Noting that another issue they are concerned is the Cyprus question, Gosses said that this issue have negative effects over other unrelated matters.
Gosses said that cooperation between EU and NATO is harmed due to several restrictions of Turkey regarding Cyprus issue. He added that Turkey will need its all friends in coming years.
Gosses noted that they are sure about commitments of Justice and Development Party (AKP) government and Foreign Minister Gul. He called on Turkey to utilize the period until October 3rd constructively.
(GC-MS)
2005-05-09