ANKARA - Justice Minister and Government Spokesman Cemil Cicek said on Monday that fluctuations in financial markets stemmed from foreign reasons, not from internal reasons or government policies. He said there was nothing to feel concern, and that measures have been taken.
Cicek responded to the questions of reporters after his statement pertaining to Council of Ministers meeting.
When journalists recalled that there was serious fluctuation in financial markets today, and asked whether or not there was an evaluation in the Council of Ministers in this respect, Cicek said such fluctuations stemmed from foreign reasons, not because of domestic reasons or government policies.
Cicek said there was nothing to feel concern at the current stage, stating that Turkish economy can resist such kind of fluctuations. Cicek said measures in this respect were taken.
Cicek said, ''there is not the least hesitation in our policies on the issue. Our government will back every kind of decision and statements issued by the 58th government. There is no reason for hesitation.''
When asked whether or not a decision was taken in Council of Ministers about the use of Turkish air space and second motion, Cicek said, ''you always ask about the motion. As I said, this is not something which we met often. All the world and we are face to face with an incident which has historical depth and which will leave deep traces in the future. There are conditions which change every hour. Our government is resolved to fulfill what is required by those conditions. Considering the issue only from the point of view of motion is not right. The U.N. is holding meetings today. Those meetings have meaning for us and for the world.''
Responding to a question about changes in the program of the 59th government, Cicek said the changes could be seen on Tuesday.
Cicek said there would not be any fundamental change between the two programs, noting that, ''we are the ruling of the same party.''
A journalist said, ''the United States, Britain and Spain had a tripartite meeting yesterday. The U.N. convenes today. They say the final stage comes. What kind of an evaluation does the government envisage with respect to operation, and is there any date which the government envisages for the starting of this?'' Cicek said, ''we will such kind of statements with you. There can not be anything we will hide from you. Turkey is an open and democratic society.''
(AY-AÖ) 17.03.2003