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Foreign Minister Cem Addresses Turkey-Eu Jpc: -"I Regard Conveying My Concerns Over Cyprus Question As My Duty"
BRUSSELS - Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said on Wednesday that he regarded
conveying his views and concerns over Cyprus question and warning European
Union (EU) wing as his duty.
Speaking at the Turkey-European Union (EU) Joint Parliamentary Commission
(JPC), Cem said that relations between Turkey and EU have started to be
developed.
Cem noted that the EU has fulfilled its responsibilities and duties except some financial issues in Turkey's path for full membership and that Turkey's responsibility is to fulfil its duties.
Cem said that focusing on human rights in Turkey and assuming an exaggerated attitude as if there were not human rights problems in the EU member and candidate states is wrong and explained the reasons for delays in Turkey.
Turkey has undertaken a role as a front and castle against Soviet block for 50 years and it has sacrificed itself, Cem noted.
Cem stated that Turkey has struggled against separatist terrorism for 15 years and that all these caused obstacles in front of development of democracy and led to loss of time.
Reminding the JPC the international agreements, Cem said that Cyprus cannot join an international organization of which guarantor Turkey and Greece are not members.
Cem stated that the EU membership application of Greek Cypriot administration is a breach of agreement and that such a development may harden solution of question.
It may cause difficulties for everybody, Cem said and noted that it may also hit economic relations between Turkey and the EU.
Cem pointed out that a confederation can be founded within the framework of a plan which takes into consideration the realities on Cyprus.
Cem called on European parliamentarians to deal with the issue more carefully and not to turn a blind eye to the rights and responsibilities of guarantor countries.
They protect the rights of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and sovereignty rights of the Turkish Cypriots and they want equality, Cem said.
Referring to incidents which occured in Bosnia, Kosovo and Macedonia, Cem said that they should take as seriously their concerns that such developments may occur in Cyprus.
Cem noted that the mistakes which were made in the Balkans should not be reiterated.
Cem said, ''not only Turkey, but everyone should give the message that a solution is required in Cyprus. The EU's attitude diverted Greek Cypriots to gain time by refusing to reach a compromise.''
''It is wrong to think that Turkey and Turkish Cypriots would remain silent in case of the Greek Cypriot side's full membership to the EU. Both Turkey and Turkish Cypriots will react harshly, and relations will be jeopardized. Such a development will cause damage not only to Turkey, but to everyone,'' he said.
Giving information about Turkey's attitude about the European Security and Defense Identity (ESDI), Cem said, ''the contradiction between decisions taken at NATO's Washington Summit Meeting and decisions taken at the EU's Nice Summit Meeting should be removed.''
Responding to a question, Cem said, ''Turkey has a different approach on the issue of minorities. In Western countries, definition of minority is based on differentiation of race. Turkey does not adopt this approach.''
Responding to a question about the National Security Council (NSC), Cem said, ''west Europeans think that all orders of the soldiers were being done in Turkey. It is not correct. I have been a member of the NSC for four years. There is not any difference between civilians and soldiers. Everyone put forward his own view, and the NSC explains the government its advisory opinion. As a democratic leftist politician, I consider myself more conservative than soldiers at the NSC.''
Noting that parliament would start working on constitutional amendment package in September, Cem said, ''I am in favor of that the package should be taken up in June or in July.''
''I consider it my duty to convey our concerns about the Cyprus question to the European parliamentarians, and to inform them,'' he added.
The Constitutional Court's decision to ban the Virtue Party (FP) was not brought onto agenda during the meeting.
Foreign Minister Cem is expected to return to Turkey tomorrow.
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