BUCHAREST (AA) - Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, who is currently in Bucharest to attend the meeting of the Southeast European Countries Cooperation Process, met European Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Rehn said that he is sure that EU entry talks with Turkey will start on October 3rd as it was planned.
Rehn said that they had a fruitful meeting with Gul, adding that he is sure that entry talks will start on October 3rd as Turkey will complete legal reforms and sign adjustment protocol of Ankara Agreement until that date.
Noting that they also discussed Cyprus issue during the meeting, Rehn said that both parties have the political will to solve the issue.
Diplomatic sources said that during the meeting Rehn said that preparations in Turkey for EU entry talks are going well, adding that recent statements of Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Turkish Foreign Minister Gul were very positive.
Rehn said that there is no obstacle before negotiation process, adding that he does not have any criticisms towards Turkey.
Mentioning the visit he will pay to Cyprus, Rehn said that they are working on two EU regulations concerning Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Rehn also informed Gul about documents and timetable which will be adopted until October 3rd.
During the meeting, Gul reiterated Turkey's stance toward Cyprus issue and said that Turkey supports a comprehensive solution as well as efforts of the United Nations.
2005-05-11