Turkey to make great effort to solve Cyprus problem

"We all want a solution to the Cyprus problem. We will make a great effort to solve the problem before May 1, 2004," Gul told reporters after the European Commission released its annual progress report on Turkey in which it said Cyprus posed a "serious obstacle" to Ankara’s hopes of joining the bloc.

Commenting on the progress report, Gul said, "when we look at the report objectively and with common sense, we can see that initiatives in Turkey are very openly and clearly puth forth. We may call this statement objective."

Touching on 50-year history of Turkey-European Union (EU) relations, Gul said that the government was determined to bring Turkey to the level of other EU member countries in regard to implementation of Copenhagen political criteria.

Gul noted that relevant laws had been passed and constitutional amendments had been made in that respect and they were very determined to implement those laws and amendments.

"When we look at the report, we see that laws, constitutional amendments we have passed and determination of the government are very objectively stressed and problems in implementation are things we know," Gul said.

Gul stated that they would show whole world that all laws would be put into practice in coming months.

"What is said in the report is true. There are some delays in implementation. But, every law and amendment will be put into practice in coming months," Gul said.

Gul noted that the government would continue its sensitivity and determination to implement reform packages.