Gul travels to Sweden upon invitation by King Carl XVI Gustaf

President Abdullah Gul departed from Ankara's Esenboga International Airport to Sweden on Sunday upon an invitation by Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf.

President Gul is accompanied by his wife Hayrunnisa Gul, Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and Turkey’s Minister for EU Affairs and chief negotiator Egemen Bagis.

Speaking to reporters prior to his departure, Gul responded to questions from reporters about ongoing peace talks and the prospects of the PKK's laying down arms. “There are sincere efforts and they are very clear. Now, the other side [the PKK] should show its sincerity. What needs to be done to this effect is certainly laying down weapons first and not turning this process into a minefield of propaganda,” Gul said, expressing hope that the peace process will be concluded in a way that will never weaken Turkey's national unity and territorial integrity. Gul further hoped that a new constitution on which all parties agree can be prepared as per the level of the most developed countries.

Monday, March 11, 2013