“WE’VE RECEIVED A CLEAR MESSAGE FROM THE EU FOR 2004”

As currently scheduled, the EU is due to review Turkey’s accession progress in December 2004. Asked about reports that the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) had reservations about the country’s EU accession, Gul replied, “The military is our military. We have no disputes with the TSK over our EU bid.” In related news, Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou reiterated at a separate press conference Athens’ support for Turkey’s EU membership. Commenting on the TSK issue, Papandreou stated that the military should play the same role in Turkey as in other democratic countries. “In democracies, the military serves at the disposal of the elected government,” said Papandreou.