ISTANBUL - Swedish Foreign Minister Anna Lindh, who is currently in Turkey, said on Wednesday that the new government's efforts on human rights inspired hope.
Lindh visited photograph exhibition of Ulla Lemberg in Istanbul.
Replying questions of reporters, Lindh recalled that she went to Diyarbakir after wrapping up her contacts in Ankara and said that she had no problems in her visit to the city.
Lindh said that Turkey was going towards the European Union (EU) membership and it was very important, stating that not only Ankara and Istanbul, but also Diyarbakir would join the EU, thus visiting different places was important.
Stating that there were some problems in Southeastern Anatolia region, Lindh said that the region had some economic problems.
Lindh said that human rights and freedom of speaking Kurdish language should be discussed and noted that the new government's efforts on human rights inspired hope.
Noting that she met with representatives of some nongovernmental organizations on problems of women at Istanbul Consulate General, Lindh said that they were sensitive not only to problems of women in Diyarbakir, but also to problems of women in Iraq and in the world.
Upon a question related to a possible U.S. operation against Iraq, Lindh said that Swedish government and people were bound to the EU and international rules.
Lindh stressed that reports which were prepared by U.N. weapon inspectors could not be ignored.
Touching on Cyprus issue, Lindh said that both sides should work by taking into consideration of Annan plan and reach agreement on fundamental principles for a solution of Cyprus issue.
Replying a question on Turkey's EU membership, Lindh said that Turkey had two-year period to fulfil its commitments and added that if Turkey fulfilled those commitments till the end of 2004, negotiations with Turkey could start in 2005.