Islam belonged to Europe’s history, tradition and culture.

Verheugen said fulfillment of membership criteria was important both for Turkey’s interests and for the benefit of the EU. He said steps taken on the way of democratization, is a progress which had not been recorded in 80 year old history of Republic.

Speaking about Cyprus problem, Verheugen said utmost care should be shown in this very important issue, stating that he hoped that a solution would be found on the island with the U.N. cooperation and support of Turkey and Greece before membership of Cyprus.

Verheugen said the decision when the negotiations would resume should be left to the U.N., noting that they wanted a united Cyprus to be a member of the EU, adding that there were several other alternatives if this could not take place in May 2004. He said they organized membership of southern Cyprus in a way that will facilitate membership of whole island.

(AY-AÖ) 07.05.2003