Tuzmen: We Are Trying All Diplomatic Means To Change Russia's Decision On Suspending Imports Of Fresh Fruits And Vegetables From Turkey

KISHINEV (AA) - Turkish State Minister Kursad Tuzmen has indicated today (Thursday) that his administration is trying all diplomatic means to change Russia's decision on suspending imports of fresh fruits and vegetables from Turkey.
     Tuzmen told reporters that Russia's decision to suspend imports of fresh fruits and vegetables from Turkey is not a new one. ''For the past five years, we have been sending plant health certificates to the Russian Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs,'' noted Tuzmen.
     ''Identical cases in the past were overcome by diplomatic initiatives and personal contacts in Russia. Apparently, the Russians had been waiting for a reply to their request for information for the past seven months. As the Russians could not get an appropriate response from Turkey, they decided to stop importing fresh fruits and vegetables from Turkey,'' commented Tuzmen.
     ''We are working on resolving the fresh fruits and vegetables matter as soon as possible. The Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs is doing all it can to find a solution. It is unfair for Russia to stop all fruits and vegetables imports from Turkey due to presence of the Mediterranean fruitfly (Ceratitis Capitata Wied) larvae,'' expressed Tuzmen.
     According to Tuzmen, the 25-member European Union will discuss the quality and the numbers of the EU soon. ''Some nations have joined the EU without making some standards real. In the near future, the European Economic Community will receive attention once more,'' stated Tuzmen.
    
     -PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE BUREAUCRACY IN BRUSSELS-
    
     Tuzmen mentioned that an empire of bureaucracy has begun to be established in Brussels. ''More and more, the people of Europe are complaining about the slowness in Brussels in making decisions. People in Europe have doubts that Brussels is the best place for the decisions pertaining to their individual states,'' said Tuzmen.
     Tuzmen expressed that the referenda in France and the Netherlands are internal matters of these countries. ''The referenda were on the EU Constitution and have nothing to do with Turkey's EU membership. Entry negotiations of Turkey will begin on October 3rd, 2005 as scheduled,'' told Tuzmen.
     Tuzmen indicated that Turkey's overall trade volume in 2005 will reach 180 billion USD. ''Out of 180 billion USD, 90 billion USD of trade will be conducted with the EU,'' declared Tuzmen.
    
     -CHAOS IN IRAQ WILL NOT BE OVER SOON-
    
     In reference to Iraq, Tuzmen pointed out that some forces want to make Iraq a second Lebanon near Turkey. ''The chaos in Iraq will not be over soon. Despite the tense situation in Iraq, our trade volume with Iraq will be around 2.5 billion USD, instead of preliminary expectation of 1.8 billion USD,'' remarked Tuzmen.
     Tuzmen reminded reporters that, during the deportation of Armenians in eastern Anatolia in the beginning of last century, there were two ministers of Armenian heritage in the government of the Ottoman Empire. ''These ministers continued to serve in the government even after the deportation and re-location of the Armenians of east Anatolia. History must be examined with an objective view. Armenia must remove certain parts of its constitution that cause a matter of deep concerns to Turkey. Turkey, in its history, has done nothing to feel sorry or regret,'' added Tuzmen.
     (SOL-MS)
2005-06-02