EU Deliberations Would Start Earlier Than Expected

Pointing out that the Thessaloniki Summit was a very good start for Turkey, Gul noted the success of Turkey’s being invited to the EU Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) first time ever that is to be held in November. Gul brought out that reforms would be carried on, said with the hope of that the discussions with EU to begin by the end of 2004. As for the meeting with the US Secretary of State Colin Powel in Jordan, Gul said: "Here, we will review some of the things. Basic issues will be discussed during my visit to Washington. In that respect, I consider the visit to Washington is more important [than meeting here]."

Gul saying that Ministry of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ugur Ziyal’s USA visit proved that some sectors interested in the past was unfair, USA looks at the future in relations, he pointed out that it was Turkey to bring the best assistance to Iraqi people in difficulty after the war.

Foreign News Services / Istanbul / TURKEY