Gurel: I Expect Eu To Give A Clear Response In October

BRUSSELS - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sukru Sina Gurel who is currently in Belgian capital Brussels on an official visit, said on Thursday, ''I expect the European Union (EU) to give a clear response in October about beginning of accession negotiation with Turkey.''
In an interview with the La Libre Belgique Newspaper, Gurel said, ''Turkey wants the EU to assume a clear attitude in October about beginning date of accession negotiations. The EU has some hesitations, and needs some time to take such an important decision. Reforms made by Turkey were sufficient for beginning of accession negotiations. These reforms were approved in a difficult period of political uncertainty.''
When asked, ''the EU has concerns about the Turkish Armed Forces's role in politics. Will this system come to an end?'' Gurel said, ''the Turkish Armed Forces has played a key role in modernization of Turkey since the very beginning. It also played a very important role in foundation of a secular and democratic Republic. The role of the Turkish Armed Forces cannot be compared with role of any armies of the EU member countries. However, the role to be played by the Turkish Armed Forces will resemble to the role of a West European army as a result of development of Turkish society in the course of the time.''
When asked, ''what will be the attitude of the Turkish Armed Forces if the Justice and Development Party (AKP) comes to power in the elections?'' Gurel said, ''I do not think that the Turkish Armed Forces would want to play a role and choose a person to rule Turkey.''
Referring to the Cyprus question, Gurel said, ''direct talks process aiming at finding a solution to the Cyprus question should be continued without external interventions.''
''Turkey has been behaving respectfully about territorial integrity of Iraq and all other countries. A possible military operation to be launched by the United States against Iraq, can cause chaos in the region. It is our duty to warn our American friends against possible results of such an operation.''
When asked, ''did Turkey shed green light to use of American bases in its borders?'' Gurel said, ''the United States did not make such a request. We do not have any information about the details.''