ANKARA - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Sunday that despite their economic problems, they would do their best to increase living standards of civil servants.
Ecevit, who left for Corlu township of northern Tekirdag province together with his wife Rahsan Ecevit, responded to questions of reporters.
Asked about the attitude of the government after a disagreement with the civil servants on collective bargaining, Ecevit said, ''we will wait for the results of the situation of the disagreement. Despite our economic problems, we will do our best to increase living standards of civil servants. Of course, I am not in the position to mention any figure. But, a healthy dialogue was established between the government and trade unions. I hope that this dialogue will give good results.''
When a reporter reminded him about the statement of European Union (EU) Commissioner for enlargement Guenter Verheugen that Turkey should not wait for a negotiation date from Copenhagen Summit and asked about his views, Ecevit said, ''I do not know whether this statement is true or not or if it is a prediction. Of course, if Verheugen's words are right, it will be a big injustice for Turkey.''
Ecevit noted, ''despite its problems and difficulties, Turkey has recorded significant process on the road to EU and continue to do so. It is very difficult for the EU to find a reason to return Turkey now. I think that the statement claimed to be made by Verheugen is not right.''
Asked if he thought of meeting with Verheugen, Ecevit said, ''let's wait. I have just read about this news like you. When I return, I will discuss it with my friends and Mr. Sukru Sina Gurel.''