Turkish FM Gul Leaves For Syria

Noting that Turkey-EU relations were strategic relations, Gul said that the government attributed utmost importance to those relations and they would improve relations between Turkey and EU.

Speaking at Esenboga Airport before departing for Syria, Gul responded to questions. Foreign Minister Gul said that NSC was an organ in which important decisions were taken and which took recommendatory decisions under the Constitution.

Gul said that ”the achievements of the government are different, the recommendatory decisions of NSC are different. There is the principle of separation of powers in Turkey.”

Noting that Turkey and Syria were two neighbouring countries, Gul said that the two countries’ having good relations would be to the interest of both countries and also to the interest of the region.

Gul said that relations with Syria improved by Adana Agreement, adding that the compromise operated well, adding that he would convey Turkey’s views about the reconstruction of Iraq and discuss the bilateral relations in Syria. Gul pointed out that there was no need for speculations regarding his visit to Syria, adding that it was natural for two neighbours to improve their relations. Gul stated that his visit was open and transparent, adding ”our direction is known. This is to integrate with the EU, to start negotiations with EU as soon as possible and to realize our full membership. ”Turkey-EU relations were strategic relations, Gul said, adding that this was among the priorities of the government, adding that Turkey would further improve relations with the EU.

Foreign Minister Gul said that he was also pleased about the warming up in relations between the U.S. and Syria.

When reminded about the view of certain circles in Washington thinking if Turkey was changing its direction, which came to agenda during the contacts of U.S. House of Representatives member Robert Wexler in Ankara, Gul said that they had a meeting with Wexler to overcome the hesitations about this issue. ”The direction of Turkey is well known. Turkey does not feel the need to search for another direction,” Gul said.

When reminded about the news telling that the U.S. conveyed to Turkey that it would not demand soldiers from Turkey for the Stability Force which the U.S. planned to form in Iraq, Gul said that ”there is no such statement.” Gul stressed that Turkey told the U.S. that it was ready to give all kinds of contributions to reconstruction of Iraq, adding that Turkey did its mission about this issue.

(ÖS-AÖ) 29.04.2003