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24 February 2004
ISTANBUL – German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder Monday called for a swift handover of sovereignty in Iraq to the Iraqi people and said democratic structures in the country must be quickly put into place.
Speaking at a joint German-Turkish economic seminar in Istanbul, Schroeder added that a strong role for the United Nations was a prerequisite for any new Iraqi administration.
Schroeder also expressed his wish for close collaboration with Turkey in efforts to bring reform and modernization initiatives to the Middle East region.
He has said he intends to raise this issue in talks with US President George W. Bush scheduled for Friday in Washington.
A democratic Turkey would, Schroeder said, be “a clear proof that there is no contradiction between the Islamic faith and an enlightened modern society.”
The chancellor regards Turkey as in a position of being able to create a model for other Moslem nations in the region to follow.
The chancellor is in Turkey for a two-day visit aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations and finding common ground on key matters of policy, including Turkish membership of the European Union.
He reiterated his earlier comments in Ankara regarding Germany’s support for Turkish EU membership, saying that when the country fulfilled the necessary criteria for accession, the bloc would be true to its word.
Schroeder added that “internal politics in isolated member states” would not affect Turkey’s bid for membership.
The German leader professed himself impressed by the image of a dynamic Turkey he had gained from his visit.
DPA
Subject: German news