President Sezer: Turkey Is Ready To Join The E.U. As Soon As Possible
Anadolu News Agency, December 31, 2002, ANKARA - President Ahmet Necdet Sezer said on Tuesday that Turkey is ready to join the European Union (EU) as soon as possible and legal and administrative studies concerning this aim will continue in 2003.

Sezer, who issued a message on the eve of the new year, said that the negative approach of Europe in giving a negotiation date in Turkey's membership process will not take Turkey away from its historical purpose and path, adding that eliminating the deficiencies about democracy, human rights and freedoms cannot be correlated with EU's decision about Turkey.

Noting that the plan of United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan concerning Cyprus question can be negotiated, Sezer said that he is supporting the continuing of solution efforts appropriate to the date in the plan.

Sezer said that another year was left behind with its sorrows and joys and a year starts with hopes and expectations, wishing peace, brotherhood, tranquility and happiness for Turkey, world and whole people in 2003.