ANKARA - Justice and Development Party (AK Party) leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan wrapped up his contacts in five EU countries regarding Turkey's EU membership and returned to Turkey early on Thursday.
National Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul, Foreign Minister Yasar Yakýs and certain AK Party deputies also returned to Turkey.
Responding to questions of journalists on the plane from France to Turkey, Erdogan said that certain EU countries want EU's giving negotiation date to Turkey in Copenhagen summit on Dec. 12 and a group of EU countries favour EU's giving 'date for date.' All countries which voice these two views accept Turkey's EU membership, Erdogan said adding yet there are ones which find early EU's giving a date to Turkey to start accession talks. ''It is seen that the clarification of this decision will take place on December 12, or until the very last moment.''
Erdogan said that negotiations have to continue, adding that relations with EU will continue. Erdogan stressed that steps will be taken until December 12 regarding the laws related to adjustment to the EU.
''We will adopt the ones we can until Dec. 8, the studies have been completed in a considerable extent,'' he said.
Erdogan said that the government's studies could be sent to the parliament within this week.
Touching on his meeting with French President Chirac, Erdogan said that his meeting with Chirac was very important.
Erdogan said, ''he said that he will exert all kinds of efforts for Turkey. He and German Chancellor Schroeder will have a meeting on December 4. Turkey's situation will be brought onto the agenda at this meeting.''
When asked if the support of Britain, Germany and France was taken, Erdogan said that the support of those countries was not clear yet related to the negotiation date.
When asked what he will do if a date for date is given to Turkey, he said, ''date for date is a positive development. But we do not want it. We want to have a date for starting accession talks.''
Upon another question, Erdogan said that he and President Sezer could hold a meeting about his contacts.
Asked whether a new assessment could be made, if a date is not given, Erdogan said, ''of course, it will be made. We work to fulfil Copenhagen criteria to improve our people's living standards, not to enter the EU. We will continue on our path.''