ANKARA (AA) - Turkish Transportation Minister Binali Yildirim has indicated today (Tuesday) that the decision taken by certain European countries on Onur Air is wrong.
Yildirim stated that, if there was a technical problem with an airplane, only that airplane should have been banned from flying.
''The ban on all Onur Air planes is wrong and unjust. There is no problem with Onur Air that deserves the cancellation of all of its flights by certain European countries,'' told Yildirim.
Former deputy chairman of the EU Commission and Transportation Commissioner Loyola De Palacio visited Yildirim at Yildirim's office in Ankara today.
Yildirim remarked that Palacio's visit is about the ''Wider Europe for Transport'' project that began in 2004. According to Yildirim, the project is designed to establish transportation corridors with EU member states and candidate states as well as neighbors of the EU.
Loyola De Palacio stressed that Turkey is at a very strategic location. Europe's road to the Caucasus and the Middle East passes through Turkey, said Palacio.
Asked by a journalist about the latest situation on the Onur Air issue, Yildirim commented that compromise was reached on several topics in the Netherlands in a 12-hour meeting. ''A Dutch delegation will arrive in Ankara on Wednesday to discuss topics in which no compromise was reached,'' expressed Yildirim.
Asked by another journalist if Turkey will retaliate in case no compromise is reached with the Dutch delegation, Yildirim replied that there is presently no need to think negatively. ''A possible retaliation will neither serve Turkish nor Dutch interests,'' noted Yildirim.
Yildirim pointed out that tourists from the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland are guests of Turkey and that Turkey will do all it can for the safe return of these tourists. ''So far we have sent about three thousand tourists home safely. We will continue to help the tourists for timely return home,'' added Yildirim.
(SOL-MS)
2005-05-17