Israel is valuable for Turkey, Gül says
Güncelleme Tarihi:
Anatolia News Agency
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Mart 28, 2009 00:00
BRUSSELS - Relations with Israel are valuable for Turkey and it is important they remain strong, Turkish President Abdullah Gül said yesterday.
"Relations between Turkey and Israel are very important and we value them highly. The strong character of the relations will make the greatest contribution for peace to prevail," Gül said at a press briefing before his departure from Brussels.
Gül said Turkey expected that the new Israeli government to be formed in the shortest possible time. "Undoubtedly, we are expecting a change of tone on the part of the Israeli leaders when they assume the government. I would like to warn that if they continue to say what they had been saying when they were in the opposition and make them a part of their policy, things could prove worse then they are now," Gül said.
President Gül also commented on the relations between Turkey and the European Union. "The EU is well aware of Turkey's influence and strategic importance," Gül told a press conference. He also said keeping promises and fulfilling commitments were a part of the fundamental principles of the union.
Abdullah Gül said his visit was important in giving a new momentum to relations, raising Turkey's interest in the EU process again after Sunday's local elections, and speeding up the EU membership bid. Gül said that Turkey's road map was obvious, and appreciated the European Commission's efforts to maintain the process with good will.
President Gül said Turkey was not in a hurry and aimed to complete negotiations with success. "However, nobody should ignore that the conjectural issues will be discussed and then forgotten," he said.
Gül said Turkey expected that the new Israeli government to be formed in the shortest possible time. "Undoubtedly, we are expecting a change of tone on the part of the Israeli leaders when they assume the government. I would like to warn that if they continue to say what they had been saying when they were in the opposition and make them a part of their policy, things could prove worse then they are now," Gül said.
President Gül also commented on the relations between Turkey and the European Union. "The EU is well aware of Turkey's influence and strategic importance," Gül told a press conference. He also said keeping promises and fulfilling commitments were a part of the fundamental principles of the union.
Abdullah Gül said his visit was important in giving a new momentum to relations, raising Turkey's interest in the EU process again after Sunday's local elections, and speeding up the EU membership bid. Gül said that Turkey's road map was obvious, and appreciated the European Commission's efforts to maintain the process with good will.
President Gül said Turkey was not in a hurry and aimed to complete negotiations with success. "However, nobody should ignore that the conjectural issues will be discussed and then forgotten," he said.