Gul Says Additional Protocol Can Be Signed Within Few Weeks

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Tuesday that the additional protocol of the customs union (with EU) can be signed within few weeks.
     Responding to questions of journalists on his return from Bahrain, Gul said that foreign minister of Luxembourg (EU Term President) told him that the preparations regarding the signing of the protocol could finish in a short time. ''I don't know how long it will last, one or two weeks,'' said Gul. When asked if the protocol would be signed during the acting presidency of the Luxembourg, Gul said that it didn't matter for Turkey and it depended on EU.
     Gul said that there were two important issues for Turkey to start entry talks with the EU, adding that one of them was continuation of the reforms and adoption of necessary laws (like the new Turkish Penal Code) and the other one was extension of customs union to new members of EU. Gul stressed that the additional protocol was negotiated and could be accepted now.
    
     -VISIT OF TRNC OFFICIALS-
    
     Answering a question about the visits of top TRNC officials to Turkey, Gul said that elections were held in TRNC and a new president was elected. ''TRNC officials have asked to have consultation with Turkey and we also want the same thing. So we'll review our policies,'' he said.
     Gul remarked that a lasting settlement of Cyprus problem didn't come true due to the uncompromising attitude of Greek Cypriot side.
    
     -GUL'S VISIT TO BAHRAIN-
    
     Referring to his visit to Bahrain, Gul said that Gulf Cooperation Council's (GCC) secretary general would come to Turkey soon. Noting that Turkey signed a framework agreement on economic cooperation with GCC, Gul said that a free trade agreement would also be signed.
     Gul said they initialed an agreement on prevention of double taxation and preparations were underway for another agreement on protection and encouragement of investments with Bahrain.
     Gul added that he explained the economic potential of Turkey to Bahraini officials and Bahraini businessmen would come to Turkey to search for privatization opportunities.
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2005-05-31