Erdogan And Juncker Hold Joint Press Conference

”During our meetings, we exchanged views on the issues of Turkey-the European Union (EU) relations, NATO, Iraq and the Middle East peace process. Luxembourg is one of the founder countries of the EU,” he said.

Noting that relations between Turkey and Luxembourg had been further improving day by day, Prime Minister Erdogan said, ”agreements, which were signed between our countries, constitute an important step in development of our bilateral cooperation.”

Responding a question about the EU Commission’s package for Cyprus, Prime Minister Erdogan said, ”this report fails to reflect adequately the positive approaches of Turkey and Northern Cyprus in this process. However, there is a package which has not been given a final shape. We aim to maintain this process. We don’t think of disregarding Annan plan. Both sides should be supported by Turkey and Greece. In this direction, we aim to catch up with the peace process in a lasting and just way”.

Pointing out that passages between the two sides had been provided since April 23, Erdogan said Turkey opened its doors to Greek Cypriots after 40 years. Erdogan said, ”this positive approach will continue from now on toward the solution.”

When a journalist said, ”it had been stated that you would send a letter to U.S. President George Bush to adjust relations with the United States. Will Ugur Ziyal convey a message?” Erdogan said, ”Mr. Ziyal visits the United States because of his contacts in foreign relations. There is no need to send a message. If we need such kind of a message, we will call Mr. Bush on the phone and talk to him.”

When asked whether or not 6th Adjustment Package would be discussed during Tuesday’s Council of Ministers meeting, Justice Minister Cemil Cicek said parliament could also work at the weekend to issue the package, noting that this issue would gain momentum this week.

Juncker recalled that an appointment was given to Turkey in 2002 Copenhagen summit for determination of date of starting negotiations. Juncker stated that the performance of Turkey in realizing transformation since Copenhagen summit was brilliant.

Juncker commented that Turkey recorded great progress despite certain shortcomings in human rights field, adding that he concluded as a result of his contacts in Turkey the issues of human rights improved in Turkey. Juncker stated that he believed the momentum recorded in this issue would continue.

Juncker stated that he visited Ephesus yesterday, adding that his visit was so beneficial and he saw that there were many common points between Turkey and other European countries.

Juncker pointed out that they took up all international issues on the agenda in the meeting including bilateral issues and Cyprus, adding that they had common views about all problems. Juncker pointed out that the good relations would further improve.

Upon a question about Cyprus, Juncker said that they wanted to announce to Europe that two religions could co-exist and that they hoped to show the same evidence about Cyprus issue. Juncker said they wished Turkey to join the EU if all conditions were fulfilled, stressing that Cyprus issue had to be solved as soon as possible. Juncker stated that he believed Annan plan could form a productive basis for solution of Cyprus issue, adding that he was pleased about the resolution of Erdogan about solution of the problem. He said that all concerned sides had to show the same resolution.

Meanwhile two agreements were signed between Turkey and Luxembourg on cooperation in fields of culture, education, science, press, youth and sports and prevention of double taxation.

Minister of Culture and Tourism Erkan Mumcu and Finance Minister Kemal Unakýtan signed the agreements on behalf of Turkey.