IZMIR - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sukru Sina Gurel said on Saturday, ''we expect the European Union (EU) to set a date in 2003 for opening of accession talks with Turkey during its summit meeting in Copenhagen in December.''
Together with Izmir Mayor Ahmet Piristina and Vural Savas, a candidate of the Democratic Left Party (DSP) from Izmir, Gurel visited Barbaros Children's Village in Urla town of Izmir.
Responding questions of journalists during the visit, Gurel pointed out, ''besides our membership or candidacy relations with the EU, we have always fulfilled our responsibilities within the framework of the Customs Union and partnership relations. Now, Turkey has deserved to step up the level of beginning of accession talks. If the EU does not grant this right to Turkey, then it will cause a serious disappointment in Turkish public opinion. And this disappointment will affect political will of the government. In that case, we will review our relations with the EU in detail.''
''We welcomed the EU Commission's latest approach about setting a date for opening of accession talks with Turkey. At least, the EU has realized that we have recorded important progress. However, it is not sufficient. We expect the EU to set a date in 2003 for opening of accession talks with Turkey during its summit meeting in Copenhagen in December,'' he said.
Replying a question, Gurel said that they were pleased with the United States' support to Turkey's EU membership.
''The United States attributes great importance to Turkey within its own strategical assessment. The United States has been supporting Turkey's EU membership, because it considers participation of Turkey in the EU beneficial for benefits of the West. We attribute great importance to the United States' support to us,'' he said.
Gurel told reporters, ''the most important thing in the next period is to prevent a new warfare in the Middle East. We recommend our friends in the United States to solve the problem peacefully. Also, Iraq should accept the U.N. weapon inspectors unconditionally.''
Gurel added, ''I invited Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou to Istanbul to watch the UEFA Cup second round match between Fenerbahce and Panathinaikos on October 31. He responded my invitation in the affirmative.''