Cyprus-Forum.com

[magikthrill]

ISTANBUL - Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said that EU is a state policy of Turkey.

Speaking at general assembly meeting of Economic Development Foundation (IKV) on Saturday, Gul said, ''EU membership is a project to reach the level of modern civilizations and to increase life standards of Turkish people.''

''A great decision was taken on December 17th. EU decided to start entry talks with Turkey. There was a big crisis in the EU especially about Cyprus issue, but in the end we reached a consensus,'' he added.

''When December 17th decision is examined, we see that there were two expectations from Turkey. First one was to adopt 5 laws which was related to political criteria. Turkish government adopted all of these 5 laws. Second expectation was Turkey's signing Customs Union additional protocol. 10 new countries joined the EU on May 1st, 2004. Turkey signed the protocol on Friday to extend Customs Union agreement to these countries,'' he added.

''Turkey issued a declaration with the protocol. Through this declaration, we said that we are exerting efforts for a solution in Cyprus and supporting efforts of UN. We said that the island is divided with Green Line and EU acquis is valid only in Greek Cypriot side. We also said that we preserve our rights which were gained by guarantee agreements and our relations with TRNC will continue similarly. We stated that if a comprehensive and permanent solution is found in the island, recognition and every type of relation may be possible,'' noted Gul.

''No obstacles and problems remained for Turkey after signing the protocol. We will send the protocol to Turkish parliament as well,'' said Gul.


http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?id=63112

[magikthrill]

convincing but not that desparate...