Gul: "Changing political winds won't sway the EU from its principles and goals"

The most important thing in Turkish-European Union relations is to abide by the rules and legal precedents established over the years, President Abdullah Gul told reporters at the Cankaya Presidential Palace yesterday. Commenting on the rightward swing in Sunday's European Parliament elections, Gul said, "People who voiced opposition to Turkey today might change their position later." He dismissed anti-Turkish campaign rhetoric by certain politicians, especially French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. "What matters," he said, "is the opinion of the Turkish and European public." Politicians come and go, he added, stressing the importance of long-term goals set by the Union and member states. "The important thing is to continue preparing the country for full EU membership," Gul said. Also touting a six-episode documentary on renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, Gul said the film was shot in various former Ottoman countries, and praised the filmmakers. Stating that the Season of Turkish Culture Activities in France, jointly sponsored by Ankara and Paris, will start soon to help promote Turkish culture to the French people, Gul said that he would travel to France to launch the season along with Sarkozy. Activities during the event, starting on July 1 and continuing through next March, will take place in over 40 cities with 400 programs. Turkish and French companies are partially funding the event.