ANKARA - Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul returned to Turkey on Tuesday from Luxembourg where he had attended the meeting of Turkey-the European Union (EU) Associate Partnership Council.
Addressing journalists at Ankara's Esenboga Airport, Gul gave information about his contacts in Luxembourg and said that they had exchanged views on the issues of Turkey-EU process, Iraq, Palestine-Israel problem and Cyprus question.
Evaluating the decision of the United Nations Security Council regarding Cyprus, Gul said that when the decision was examined carefully, signs of objections of Greek Cypriot side to Annan report could be seen as well.
Gul said, ''Turkey's position is clear. An agreement cannot be reached on Annan plan but Turkey will continue its efforts for solution. Greek Cypriot side's accessing to the EU tomorrow does not mean that everything has ended.''
Emphasizing that conditions should be convincing for both sides to reach a lasting solution in Cyprus, Gul said that Turkey would continue to search this sincerely, however this was not only under the control of Turkish Cypriot side or Turkey, but other side would also have things to do.
Upon a question on his telephone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, Gul said that Powell had called him on Monday night and conveyed him that relations with Turkey were good and he was pleased to see the results of his Ankara visit.
Gul said that Powell had conveyed his pleasure that humanitarian aid for Iraq was sent through Turkey and told the positive atmosphere created by this in Washington.
Gul said, ''I told Powell that it was necessary to be more careful in northern Iraq. Also, I informed Powell on the recent events in the region.''
Gul said, ''I told him that American forces in northern Iraq should be more careful. He told me that they would be more careful and their responsibilities in that region were very important.''
Upon a question regarding the donation which the United States would give to Turkey, Gul said that any condition was out of question for Turkey.
(GC-UK) 15.04.2003