Blair: I Wanted To See European Turkey

Blair said; Or objective to have a United Cyprus enter the European Union is still there. The Annan Plan is the best means to attain this goal. Recommendations to end the isolation implemented on Turkish Cypriots, are being formulated.

The European Union admitted that showing care for Turkish Cypriots was its duty. Britain will help EU fulfilling this duty.

We Might Give a Date

Blair Said; I believe that EU will give a date to Turkey to commence negotiations, as long as Turkey maintained her pace of reforms.

We Shall Do All We Can

Asked to comment on scenarios that Turkish people will react very strongly if EU refused to give a date at the end of December, Blair said that; There is no sense in talking about negative reactions or failure. All of us are working for the same strategic objectives. As PM Erdogan said, his government’s reform program is a result of the demand of the Turkish people and to their benefit.

Torture is Unacceptable

About the pictures showing British and American soldiers torturing Iraqi prisoners, Blair said that; The investigations showed almost with certainty that these pictures were not true. However, I clearly stated that if these bad treatment claims are proven, these are unacceptable. These behaviors must be condemned and punished.