Gul: We Held Better Contacts Than We Expected

COPENHAGEN - Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Thursday, ''we held a series of contacts with European Union (EU) prime ministers. I got the impression that they were impressed with our statements. They told us that they would do their utmost.''
Together with Justice and Development Party (AK Party) leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Foreign Minister Yasar Yakis and bureaucrats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Turkey's Secretariat General for the EU, Prime Minister Gul responded questions of journalists.
Prime Minister Gul recalled that they had held a series of contacts with leaders and prime ministers of member countries to the EU.
''We told them that Turkey has deserved to get a date for opening of accession talks with the EU. We have fulfilled our responsibilities. There are some criteria and principles to become a full member of the EU. The most important thing is to fulfill these criteria. We have prepared reform packages to this end. First of these packages was adopted. The EU does not have the right any more to tell Turkey that it should do this or that thing to get a date. We held very intimate and honest contacts with EU prime ministers. I got the impression that they were impressed with our statements. They told us that they would do their utmost. I met with Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen of current EU term president Denmark earlier in the day. It was an important meeting. During the meeting, I insisted that Turkey should be given a date. We will get a date for opening of accession talks. I told Mr. Rasmussen that Turkey cannot be subject of different criteria. The EU's criteria are the same for all candidate countries,'' he added.
Question: What did Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen of current European Union (EU) term president Denmark till during the meeting?
Gul: In fact, we held better contacts in Copenhagen than we expected. I hope that they understood us and that they would not make a mistake. I expect the EU to set a date for opening of accession talks with Turkey. Our meeting with Mr. Rasmussen was very beneficial.
Question: Did the meeting increased your hopes?
Gul: Yes.
Question: Will the sides in Cyprus reach a solution easily?
Gul: Insolubility in Cyprus is not a solution for us. We encourage Turkish Cypriot side to this end. As you know, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Foreign and Defense Minister Tahsin Ertugruloglu came to Copenhagen. He has been holding meetings.
Question: Will the sides sign a document?
Gul: There is not such a request for the time being.
Question: Do you say first date, then Cyprus?
Gul: According to my point of view, we have prepared ourselves. There is not such a request for the time being. However, we put forward our good will. If we all become full members of the EU, problems will be solved automatically.
Question: Can the sides suspend signing a document?
Gul: It is possible. Talks are continuing. We are in favor of finding a solution to the Cyprus question. But the solution should be satisfactory.
Question: Will the date of 2004 satisfy Turkey?
Gul: I cannot make any statement at this point. But the most important thing is to get the best results for Turkey. As you know, summit meetings will be held in Salonica, Greece, and in Rome, Italy, in 2003. In fact, it is not sufficient to adopt laws. It is important to put into practice them. I told them that there has been a new understanding of leadership in Turkey. This understanding is clear, honest, determined and courageous.