WASHINGTON D.C. (AA) - ''We have assessed PKK terrorism, Cyprus, Middle East, European Union (EU) and economic relations with U.S. President George Bush,'' Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday.
''We particularly emphasized strategic partnership between Turkey and U.S. during the meeting,'' Erdogan stated.
Erdogan told a press conference after his meeting with U.S. President Bush that their meeting lasted for than an hour.
''We had the opportunity to discuss and evaluate strategic partnership between Turkey and U.S. during the meeting. Cyprus, Middle East, Israel-Palestine, Iraq as well as Syria, Iran, Afghanistan, studies of Broader Middle East Initiative were also discussed. I can summarize the main titles of our discussion as freedoms, democracy, rule of law, fight against terrorism, security and human rights. ''
Erdogan said they also had the opportunity to evaluate economic relations between Turkey and the United States.
''Meanwhile, we also had the opportunity to discuss the issue of PKK and evaluate the issues as regards to minorities in Turkey. As you know we have sent Foundations Law to the Parliament. We have again conveyed our views that visit of U.S. congressmen to Ercan Airport of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to be further improved. I have the impression that Bush was positive towards this process and that he particularly appreciated the attitude of Turkey as regards to the issues on April 24th referendum. I also had the impression that he thinks those who have to take steps for the future process was the other side.''
''We have also expressed Turkey's determination about the European Union (EU) negotiation process. We have told them that the referendums that were held both in France and the Netherlands did not and would not affect Turkey negatively as it has nothing to do with Turkey. We said it was the voting for the EU Constitution and that Turkey's current efforts about the issue were for the negotiations that would start on October 3rd. Turkey believes that as those issues were opened on October 3rd, the process will improve positively and in a different way. There are of course difficulties and there will be. However, we will continue on our path by overcoming the difficulties as the way previous states achieved them.''
2005-06-08