NO NEED FOR PANIC. WE WILL BECOME A FULL MEMBER AT THE END OF NEGOTIATIONS
VIENNA (AA) - Evaluating the recent referenda in European countries, the Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul has indicated that ''there is no need for panic. Turkey will become a full member of the European Union (EU) at the end of negotiations.''
In an exclusive interview with Austria's State Television (ORF), Gul said that full membership will depend on Turkey's performance. ''Turkey will be at a better position at the end of 10 years. The EU decision making organs will make the right decision pertaining Turkey,'' told Gul.
Asked if the referenda results in France and the Netherlands will have an impact on Turkey, Gul replied that ''of course, France and the Netherlands will discuss the referendum results. We are not afraid of discussions. The referenda results are about the EU Constitution. Member states are not voting on Turkey. They will decide on Turkey at the end of negotiations. We will accept a decision at the end of negotiations,'' stressed Gul.
In reference to the new Turkish penal code that went into effect on June 1st, Gul noted that ''freedom of thought and expression can not be limited. The new Turkish penal code is a reform itself. Everyone in Turkey is free to speak and discuss what they like without using force.''
Gul will participate in the opening ceremony of the European Forum on Saturday morning and will deliver a speech titled ''Looking at the Future, Europe One Year After Enlargement.''
Gul will leave Vienna on Saturday and head back to Ankara.
2005-06-04