MANAMA (AA) - ''The referendum held on the European Union (EU) Constitution in France has no direct link with Turkey'', Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said early on Monday.
Commenting on the outcome of the referendum on EU Constitution in Bahraini capital of Manama where he is on an official visit, Gul said, ''there is no doubt that it will start a big discussion in Europe.''
Gul noted that Turkey's entry talks with the EU would be launched within the framework of Treaty of Nice and said, ''therefore, the decision made in Brussels was within the framework of that Treaty. There is no obstacle before the start of negotiations. This referendum has no direct link with Turkey.''
''Whether or not negotiations will start on October 3rd totally depends on Turkey. If Turkey fulfils the requirements, there is nothing that can prevent start of entry talks,'' said Gul.
Recalling that French President Jacques Chirac appeared on television and addressed his people, Gul noted, ''Chirac openly said that this matter was made a tool for internal policy. He also stressed that current agreement were valid.''
Gul indicated that an anti-Turkey campaign was out of question, and added, ''because the leaders who said 'no' to the Constitution stated in several occasions that it was not an anti-Turkey voting. So, what we should do is to continue our path, fulfil necessary requirements and be prepared for negotiations before October 3rd.''
(BRC-ULG)
2005-05-30