Gul: Solution Of Cyprus Should Be Satisfying For Both Sides

ANKARA - Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Friday that they do not want Cyprus question to continue and stressed that the solution should be satisfying for both sides.
Gul who attended a programme in CNN International responded to questions about foreign policy.
Noting that they are examining the solution package which was presented by United Nations (U.N.) Secretary General Kofi Annan, Gul said that they have a positive approach and favour a solution on the island.
When asked whether an agreement platform will be formed about Cyprus question prior to Copenhagen Summit, Gul said that they will do their best, however there are some problems which cannot be ignored. He added that they would like to solve the question, if it is possible, prior to Copenhagen Summit but the approach of the other side is also important.
Upon a question asking whether an uncertainty in negotiation date will cause a trouble, Gul said that the Parliament accepted a reform package which was also appreciated by European Union (EU) in August, adding that they are fulfilling Copenhagen criteria.
When asked whether he was disappointed with the extension of EU process, Gul said that his government has just started its term and they will pass a new reform package after the vote of confidence and complete Copenhagen criteria. He added that if EU likes to have a strategical importance in the world, it should consider the issue from a wide point of view. He said that the decision is up to EU leaders. Gul said that both Turkey and EU would have advantages due to Turkey's EU membership.
Upon a question about a possible operation against Iraq, Gul pointed out to the importance of the operation's being in line with international laws, adding that the determining element is the resolutions of U.N. Security Council.
Gul said that Turkey, as a neighbour country, does not want to clash with Iraq but on the other hand Turkey does not want to see the existence of mass destruction weapons in a neighbour country.
When asked if he or Justice and Development Party (AKP) leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan will take the decision to join a coalition against Iraq, Gul said that he is the Prime Minister of Turkey and they do not have any changes in their agenda. He added that their promise is to increase Turkey's democratic standards and end political bans.
''Will you surprise those who are suspicious about you?'' asked the speakers to Gul who said that they have the absolute majority in the parliament, but they will alos make cooperation with the opposition. Gul said that they will be in cooperation with all parts of society and non-governmental organizations, adding that he believed that they will be very successful.