ANKARA - Foreign Minister Yasar Yakis said on Thursday that, ''our consultations within NATO continue in cooperation with the NATO countries.''
Yakis was responding to the news reports that Turkey would call on NATO to operate article no:4.
Yakis held a news conference following his meeting with Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini. Yakis said they exchanged views on negotiation process on Cyprus and Iraqi issue as well as bilateral relations.
Stating that they also discussed Turkish-European Union (EU) relations, Yakis said he reiterated the determination of Turkey in membership process.
Recalling that Italy would take over EU term presidency in 2003, Yakis said he knew that Italy would contribute to Turkey's full membership process.
When asked whether or not Turkey asked NATO to operate Article no:4, Yakis said, ''we continue consultations in cooperation with NATO countries. The way how we will act will be clarified at the end of those consultations.''
Frattini in his part said they were pleased over the reforms fulfilled in Turkey, stating that Turkey would be invited as observer at the intergovernmental conference which will take place during Italy's term presidency.
Frattini said thus Turkey would have the opportunity to participate in studies to give a final shape to European constitution.
Stating that they were in consensus of opinion to increase cooperation on illegal immigration, Frattini said fight against illegal immigration was not an issue concerning the countries one by one by but an issue concerning the EU. He stressed that the EU should be interested in this issue more sensitively.