ANKARA (AA) - President Viktor Yushchenko of Ukraine said, ''we are not disappointed with rejection of EU Constitution in referendums held in France and the Netherlands.''
Yushchenko delivered a speech at a conference which was held by Eurasia Strategic Researches Center in Ankara on Tuesday.
''Rejection of EU Constitution during referendums in France and the Netherlands is an exception, not rule. People should react this,'' he said.
Yushchenko said, ''if planned steps are taken on time and successfully, Ukraine will sign partnership agreement with the EU in 2008. During this period, Ukraine needs support of EU member and candidate countries.''
''Turkey and Ukraine are important factors of security and stability from Danube to Euphrates. Turkey and Ukraine unite the EU,'' he noted.
Yushchenko said, ''we attach importance to economic development of Ukraine. We aim to lift obstacles before businessmen to invest in Ukraine.'' He invited Turkish businessmen to mini Davos Summit planned to be held to draw investors.
Yushchenko said, ''Turkey has a great role in transformation of Black Sea region into a stability and security region. Commercial and economic relations between Turkey and Ukraine are in very high level.''
Yushchenko said, ''Turkey and Ukraine should prepare a 'road map' for 2005 and 2006. Besides the current issues, energy, space technology and construction issues should also take place in this road map.''
Yushchenko noted, ''among issues which should be taken up in road map, there is payment of compensation by Turkey to relatives of Ukrainians who died in a hotel fire in Istanbul in 1996.''
On the other hand, diplomatic sources said that this compensation request was not discussed during meetings.
2005-06-07