issues a critical progress report on Turkey’s EU membership process on Nov. 8.
“We spoke as two partners for the first time,” Gul said of his counterparts at the meeting.
Previous talks with the EU troika had taken place in a tense atmosphere, the Foreign Minister said, but emphasized that Monday was one of their easiest meetings.
In response to fears of a possible ‘train wreck’ with the EU over key issues, Gul replied: “I never mentioned a train wreck. There are still some troubles but what matters is whether one approaches these honestly or malevolently. I saw a more honest approach today.”
The Foreign Minister did not agree with the idea that France had made things easier for Turkey concerning article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code. He pointed out that it was wrong to imitate the mistakes of others.
Concerning the amendment of article 301, Gul said if a change was needed; the necessary changes would be made.
While chatting with journalists on the plane returning from Luxembourg, Gul stated that the talks he had with Finland’s Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja (Finland is the EU term president), Germany’s Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier (Germany is the next term president), and EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn, all took place in an atmosphere quite different from the previous ones.
“This was one of the easiest meetings. They and we are aware of this. This was the first time Turkey and the EU met as two partners attaching importance to one another. Let alone the differences, we met as two partners wishing to listen to each other carefully for the first time.”
Gul said Turkey’s two upcoming elections would not negatively affect the EU process.
Gul also said politicians, as well as writers and intellectuals, in Turkey should not exhaust themselves discussing the presidential elections.
“The elections have a definite date and rules. It is still early and this issue will be discussed when the time comes. However, the only thing I can say is that if we exhaust ourselves, as the government, politicians and writers, it will be a pity for Turkey and the Turkish people. We already lost so many years. We are now making some progress, this must not be halted.”
Minister Gul opposed claims that Turkey could regress and enter a period of self-isolation following the presidential elections.
“Turkey’s importance has considerably increased in recent years. It has become a more self-confident country with closer relationships with the outside world. No self-isolation can be imagined in a country where all kinds of discussions can be made so openly and transparently. The presidential election has a definite date and rules. This issue will be closed when the time comes.”
