Sezer: O.I.C. Comcec Will Contribute To Further Improvement Of Cooperation Among Countries

ISTANBUL (AA) - ''I believe that the Organization of Islamic Conference COMCEC will contribute to further improvement of ongoing cooperation among countries sharing common historical and cultural values,'' Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer has indicated.
     Issuing a message for the 21st meeting of Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) Standing Committee for Economic & Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) Follow-up Committee which started in Istanbul today (May 10th), Sezer said, ''international economic problems require more cooperation within the scope of OIC.''
     Referring to the Cyprus issue, President Sezer said, ''although more than a year has passed since the referendum in which Turkish Cypriot people supported the solution plan of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, and despite all promises, Turkish Cypriot people have still been under many restrictions and economic embargoes. Under the decision made by OIC foreign ministers in June, we expect the Islamic world to take concrete steps to integrate the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) with the rest of the world.''
     ''As for Israeli-Palestinian dispute, we consider the cease-fire declared at the Sharm al-Sheikh Summit and progress made by the sides since the summit, an important beginning for revival of peace process. Also, we urge the sides to take further steps. We expect that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plan for unilateral withdrawal from Gaza Strip and partially from West Bank, will create a new dynamic for resumption of peace talks,'' he said.
    
     -''IRAQ STANDS ON A HISTORIC MILESTONE''-
    
     Referring to recent developments in Iraq, President Sezer said, ''Iraq stands on a historic milestone. Following the U.S.-led military operation, stability and security could not be restored yet. Ongoing acts of violence has been damaging the economic infrastructure of the country, and prevented a possible increase in oil production and more income. In order to overcome all these difficulties, preparation of the new constitution and the political transition process should be accelerated.''
     ''Turkey will continue to give an helping hand to Iraq in these difficult days,'' President Sezer added.
     (E֭UK-ULG)
2005-05-10