Gul: ”In my first year as president, I have lived up to the oath of office”

In an interview with news channel NTV, President Abdullah Gul yesterday evaluated his first year in office. Stressing that the president must keep an equal distance from all parties and ensure harmony among constitutional institutions, Gul said that during his first year, he had lived up to the presidential oath and kept the promises he gave ahead of his election. "I'm aware of my duties and position as president," he explained. "Impartiality is very important for me, and I believe that I maintained my impartiality during my first year in office. I included all citizens and opened the Presidential Palace's doors to everyone." On rising tension in the Caucasus in the wake of Russian-Georgian conflict and Moscow's recognition of the breakaway provinces of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, Gul said that Turkey would continue to help efforts to restore stability and peace to the region, as indifference is not an option. Asked whether he accept an invitation from the Armenian president to visit Yerevan to see World Cup qualifying match between the Turkish and Armenian national teams, Gul said hadn't made a decision yet. "We need to concentrate our energy in the international area," he added. "I believe that over the next few years, Turkey will become the most dependable country in the region." On the Cyprus issue, Gul said, "Turkey maintains its stance regarding the Cyprus issue and supports a comprehensive solution." On discussion over a possible new constitution, Gul said, "Nearly all political parties have expressed the need for a new constitution, but the most important thing on this issue is to reach a broad-based consensus."