Speaking to the press on yesterday's Cabinet meeting, Çiçek said the ministers talked about the recent progress report on Turkey that the EU released last week, Turkey's relationship with the US, the prime minister's visit to the southeastern and eastern parts of the country slightly more than a week ago and the new restructuring of domestic security units for a better and more effective fight against terrorism. During the press conference, the deputy prime minister denied criticism that the government was dragging its feet on EU reforms. He said the EU process was important and a priority issue for the government, but he said, "Turkey also has other problems."

He said the Cabinet yesterday discussed the progress report, noting that there were points to which the government would object.

Çiçek said the Third National Program, a roadmap for EU harmonization, was sent by the government to 87 relevant civil society organizations as well as all political parties. "None of the political parties except the Grand Unity Party [BBP] have commented or shared their opinions," Çiçek said. The ministers yesterday also talked about Foreign Minister Ali Babacan's visit last week to some EU countries. He said they expected two more chapters to open in membership talks in the near future.

TODAY'S ZAMAN