Thursday, February 16, 2006

The New Anatolian-Gul eases EU's concerns on Iran and Hamas

"Gul eases EU's concerns on Iran and Hamas

Ayhan Simsek - The New Anatolian / Ankara

Turkish FM uses stronger terms to urge Iran to be transparent about nuclear program and continue full cooperation with UN, after talks with German counterpart. European diplomats welcome Gul's remarks and say they perfectly mirror EU position

Gul also urges Hamas to renounce violence and embrace democracy, removing doubts about Ankara's approach to group. Gul receives German support for Ankara's indirect talks with Hamas. Steinmeier recalls European conditions to accept Hamas, and says, 'If Turkey's initiative would help meet those conditions, of course we would have no objections to such a mediation effort'"

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