President Sezer Holds A Press Conference In Seville

SEVILLE (A.A) - 22.06.2002 - President Ahmet Necdet Sezer said on Saturday that only one match remaining in front of Turkey for World Cup final game and he would go to Japan to watch the final if Turkey beat Brazil in the semifinal on Wednesday.
Sezer held a press conference after attending the working lunch with heads of state and government of European Union (EU) members and candidate countries. Foreign Minister Ismail Cem accompanied Sezer during the press conference.
Recalling that he had had the opportunity of watching the first 25 minutes of the quarterfinal between Turkey and Senegal, Sezer said that during this period, Turkey had missed three goal opportunities.
Noting that heads of states and governments of EU member and candidate states had congratulated him for Turkey's victory, Sezer said, ''I congratulate our technical staff and players. Turkey for the first time reached last four, that is, Turkey is one of the four biggest teams in the world.''
Congratulating also Senegalese national team for their efforts, Sezer said he would go to Japan to watch the final game if Turkey defeat Brazil.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Cem said that Turkey had a ''magnificient victory'' by beating Senegal 1-0.
''I want to congratulate especially coach Senol Gunes and all players,'' Cem added.
President Sezer said ''we hope that the European Union (EU) would set a date for the beginning of full membership negotiations with Turkey during the summit meeting to be held in Copenhagen in December.''
President Sezer said, ''I had the opportunity of explaining Turkey's views about the EU full membership during the working lunch. An important part of Turkish people supports the EU full membership. I stressed that Turkey was ready to take all necessary steps to reach this goal. I recalled that our parliament had been working hard for more than a year to fulfill the Copenhagen criteria. We think that this determined attitude of Turkey should be supported by the EU. If the EU does not set a date for the beginning of full membership negotiations with Turkey, acceleration of the EU full membership in Turkey will be lost and Turkish public opinion will begin questioning the EU's sincerity.''
''I hope that Denmark will maintain Spain's productive attitude during its term presidency period,'' he said.
Referring to fight against illegal migration, President Sezer said, ''Turkey takes place in the middle of origin countries and target countries. We are ready to cooperate with the EU countries in fight against illegal migration.''
SEZER: THE FINAL STATEMENT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY NEGATIVE EXPRESSION ABOUT TURKEY
President Sezer said that the European Union (EU) Seville summit's final statement did not include negative expressions about either Turkey or Cyprus.
Recalling that everybody accepted that fulfillment of the Copenhagen political criteria was a pre-condition of opening of accession negotiations, Sezer evaluated the Cyprus issue.
Noting that Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas had put forward comprehensive proposals, and they expected the talks between the sides on the island to continue, President Sezer said that they hoped that also the Greek Cypriot side would approach those proposals with good will. ''Any third side should not externally intervene in the issue.''
When asked whether or not Turkey could make the necessary arrangements within six months, President Sezer said, ''Turkey has been following the way paved by Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk for westernization since 1923. Turkey cannot be excluded from the westernization process. Turkey cannot be excluded from the integrity of civilization.''
Underlining importance of Turkey's making the necessary arrangements to fulfill Copenhagen criteria as soon as possible, President Sezer stressed, ''politicians have great responsibilities to this end. I believe that our politicians will make the necessary legal arrangements as soon as possible.''
Responding another question, President Sezer noted, ''I do not think to hold another meeting with leaders of political parties having seats at the parliament on the issue of the EU full membership. Works have already been continuing at the parliament.''
''All necessary changes should not be connected with abolishment of death sentence. Fulfillment of criteria should be assessed as a whole,'' President Sezer added.