Italian FM: Italy supports Turkey’s accession to EU

Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said that Turkey should make good use of the period till 2004.

Gul and Frattini held a joint press conference after their meeting.

Gul and Frattini discussed Turkey’s EU membership process, Turkish-Italian relations, illegal migration and Iraq in the meeting.

Stating that they appreciated changes which were made in Turkey especially with the last reform package, Frattini said that Italy also attributed great importance to setting a negotiation date for Turkey at the end of 2004. Frattini said that they were also taking pains to help Turkey start negotiations.

Frattini said that the Progress Report on Turkey which would be announced on November 5 would be positive.

Stating that Turkish government exerted great efforts for adjustment to the EU and the results of it were seen, Frattini quoted Gul as saying that they were also determined to take more advanced steps.

Gul said, ”very important steps were taken especially during the period of the current government. There is a very different Turkey this year when compared to last year. We are very pleased with Europe’s appreciation on reforms which were fulfilled in Turkey. We should make good use of the period till 2004.”

Frattini said that fight against illegal migration was also discussed in his meeting with Gul and quoted Gul as saying that Turkey was in favor of more cooperation in fight against illegal migration not only with Italy, but also with whole Europe.

Recalling that EU determined a joint strategy in Thessaloniki on fight against illegal migration and measures against transit countries, Frattini said that they should also include Turkey in this strategy.

Frattini said that they agreed with Turkey on the issue that a solution should be found in Iraq by international society under the control of the United Nations.

Gul said that the meeting was beneficial on Iraq issue.

Both ministers explained their views on Europe’s Christian roots. Italy demands clear reference to ”Christian roots” in the introduction of the European Union’s Constitution.

Frattini said that this issue was related to the history of Europe and stated that it was wrong to comment it as an effort to prevent accession of Turkey to the Union.

Gul said that Europe attributed great importance to the freedom of religion and added that what was important was secularism.