Turkish FM Gul: Chirac to Echo Schröder’s Overtures

Speaking with journalists, Gul emphasized that Schröder’s overtures are important in two ways: First, that no one is going back on the promise made 50 years ago for Turkey’s membership in the European Union (EU), and that Turkey’s membership would be beneficial for both parties, in an economic perspective."

The Foreign Minister said that Chirac would make similar statements regarding Turkey.

Emphasizing that derogations of the Turkish side in Cyprus should certainly be recorded, Gul said: "This is very important for us. A formula is being worked out that would provide for this to our satisfaction."

Lauding the E.U for its objectivity in the New York talks on Cyprus, Gul said, "Everybody who did not listen to our words [previously], can see the realities of the situation on the island better when they are included in the resolution of the matter."