HÃœRRIYET EKLER
10.04.2005

Gul: Turkey could be a model for Algeria

Hurriyet

Talking to a group of journalists on his plane to Algeria for a
two-day visit, Foreign Minister Gül demonstrated the difference
between Turkey and Algeria, a country that has also suffered from
fundamentalist terrorists in the past. Drawing comparisons between
Turkey and Algeria, Gül said that the Turkish democracy has the
potential to influence Algeria.

“Turkey’s experience can make a significant impact on Algeria, just
as it has done on many other countries. First of all, democracy is
much more rooted in Turkey than it is in Algeria. The general public,
political leadership and NGOs alike behaved more rationally when we
were going through hard times. People did not fall into the pitfalls
of provocations. They took concrete and rational steps bearing in
mind Turkey’s future, future generations and fraternity.”

Gül also talked about the alleged Armenian genocide and expressed his
belief that Turkey fell short of efforts in the past. Revealing that
he will be making some announcements in the parliament on Wednesday,
Gül said, “Turkey has been lagging behind. We have to recognise this
fact, whether we like it or not.”

Expressing his conviction that the matter is a long-term one, Gül
continued, “Turkey could have been much more active and courageous
when tackling the issues.”

“We are currently working on new methods and strategies.”

When asked about the recent developments reagrding the Incirlik
air-base, Gül said there was nothing “extraordinary” and that the
matter will not be brought up in parliament.

“US Forces are requesting a more regular flight schedule. We are
currently dealing with the matter, although it is still in the early
stages. There is no political decision-making involved just yet.”

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