MANAMA (AA) - Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul arrived Sunday night in Manama, Bahrain for a two-day visit.
Gul responded to questions of journalists on the plane to Manama.
-TCK-
Referring to the debate on the Turkish Penal Code (TCK), Gul said that parliaments were the decision-making bodies in democratic societies and that everybody should respect the decision made by parliaments.
When asked if the government urged an amendment in TCK (about Koran courses) Gul said ''no, this is not the case. Parliaments are not always under the control of the governments. They have their own identity.''
-TURKEY'S EU BID-
Upon questions on Turkey's EU bid, Gul stressed that Turkey would be successful in its EU bid as a result of broad participation of all its state institutions, NGOS, trade unions, universities etc.
Gul stressed that a very qualified group should be formed to carry out the negotiations with the EU . ''The EU bid means Turkey's total transformation and improvement of the living standards of the Turks,'' said Gul.
-POSTPONEMENT OF CONFERENCE ON ARMENIA-
Regarding the postponement of the conference on Armenian claims that would be held in Bogazici University , Gul said that the government didn't suggest or urge its postponement.
''As long as people don't incite violence in their speeches, they can express their ideas,'' said Gul.
Upon a question about a planned visit of a group of Turkish deputies to Armenia, Gul said that Turkey was a country which recognized Armenia diplomatically. Noting that there were contacts and cultural activities between the two countries, Gul said he hoped those activities and contacts will help in settlement of the problems through dialogue.
-TURKEY'S ECONOMIC GROWTH-
Regarding Turkey's economy, Gul said that Turkey reached an economic growth of 25 percent in the last three years.
Referring to the recent success of a Turkish company in winning the tender to construct subway network in Dubai, Gul confirmed that he supported and promoted that (Turkish) company during his visit to United Arab Emirates as the subway construction was a very big project.
(֓-ULG)
2005-05-30