Anatolian Times, Turkey
Oct 2 2005
Sezer: Turkey Will Contribute To E.U. With Its Sound Economy
ANKARA – Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer has indicated, ”it is
obvious that Turkey will contribute to the European Union (EU) with
its sound economy. We hope EU countries to take into consideration
this fact.”
The new parliamentary term started with the opening remarks of Sezer
in the parliament today.
Sezer stressed, ”Turkish parliament is one of the most important
guaranties of the Republic today, as it was in the past.”
-EU-
Sezer said that Europe-Atlantic link constituted an important
dimension of Turkish foreign policy, noting, ”within this framework,
Turkey’s EU process, the country’s relations with the United States
and our position in NATO are primary items of the country’s foreign
policy agenda.”
Noting that it was foreseen that Turkey would start officially
membership negotiations with the EU two days later, Sezer said that
there were still some uncertainties on some points, although there
was little time left for start of membership talks (scheduled to
start on October 3rd). He indicated that it was not easy to reach
this stage, adding that it was obvious that the following process
would not be easy, either.
Sezer said that Turkish nation would not accept additional
conditions, noting, ”the process has started and no backward step
should be taken. Turkey is determined to be a full member of the EU
and it will complete this process by protecting its national
interests and national honor. If this process is delayed, Europe will
lose much more than Turkey. Because Turkey is determined to upgrade
living standards of its people.”
”Turkey which adopted contemporary and universal values fulfilled
its responsibilities on its road to the EU. No one will benefit from
prejudices,” he stressed.
Sezer stated that Turkey aimed to reach EU criteria also in
education, noting that the period of obligatory education should be
increased to 12 years.
-”TERROR DOES NOT HAVE RELIGION OR NATIONALITY”-
Stressing that terrorism with its global dimension became primary
threat against world peace and stability, Sezer said, ”terror does
not have geography, religion or nationality.”
Sezer said that there was a global fight against terrorism, stating
that there should be international cooperation in fight against it.
He underlined that Turkey was against every kind of terror.
Sezer indicated that presence of terrorist organization PKK in the
north of Iraq was an unacceptable situation for Turkey, stating that
they thought that this situation was known by Iraqi and the U.S.
administrations.
”We are determined to take necessary measures in our borders. Its
(terrorist organization’s) components in Iraq should also be cleared
to eliminate terrorist organization completely. We expect relevant
parties to take into consideration our concerns on this issue,”
Sezer underlined.
-ECONOMY-
Noting that there have been pleasing developments in Turkish economy
recently, Sezer stated that growth rate became 9.9 percent last year
and gross national product per capita increased to 4.172 USD.
Sezer underlined that positive developments in the economy also
continued in 2005, adding that yet unemployment was still a problem.
He stressed that measures should be taken to increase employment
opportunities as soon as possible.
Sezer said that new technology, new investment and new employment
opportunities should be created during privatization process.
-UNITED STATES-
Sezer said, ”another issue which we attach importance besides EU is
relations with the United States. Relations with the EU and the
United States are completing each other. Turkey-U.S. relations
include all elements which a strong partnership necessitates. The two
countries act with common understanding in many issues like fight
against terrorism, solution of Arab-Israel clash, settlement of
stability in Caucasia and Central Asia as well as solution of Cyprus
question. NATO is also an important corner stone in cooperation
between Turkey and the U.S.”
-GREECE-
”The basis in relations with neighbors is stability and harmony. We
have the will to develop our relations with Greece on the basis of
mutual respect, confidence and friendship. We wish Greece to continue
its efforts to show the same will and to protect dialogue milieu.
Developments in relations ease solution of bilateral problems. Such a
development is beneficial not only for Turkey and Greece but also for
the region,” said Sezer.
-CYPRUS-
Sezer noted, ”regarding Cyprus issue, Turkish side exerted efforts
for solution. However, Greek Cypriot side, under the directions of
their administrators, rejected lasting solution as well as Annan
Plan. Greek Cypriot side is allowed to use EU membership as a force
of sanction against Turkey, and also isolation over Turkish Cypriots
continues, and these are not just. We see that Greek Cypriot side is
not willing for solution. The only reason for this is that Greek
Cypriot administration is not forced for solution. Its EU membership
is the most tangible example of that.”
-BALKANS-
”Turkey attaches great importance to protection of stability in the
Balkans. We will continue to support reconstruction and development
activities of some Balkan countries and to protect peace in the
region. Also, we hope Greek government will act with responsibility
for solution of problems of our kinsmen in western Thrace,” said
Sezer.
-RUSSIA-
Sezer noted, ”Russian Federation is one of the key countries of
Eurasian region. Relations between Turkey and Russian Federation,
which are two important countries of Black Sea region, have developed
in recent period. Potential in mutual commerce and tourism is
significant. Our relations are further deepened through high-level
visits as well as bilateral, regional and international policies.”
-EURASIA-
”Eurasia is also important in Turkey’s multilateral foreign policy.
Unity of Europe and Asia through energy and transportation corridors
as well as creating a new momentum for economic growth are basis of
Turkey’s stance towards Eurasia. Turkey has close relations with
Azerbaijan and Georgia,” said Sezer.
-ARMENIA-
Sezer said, ”Armenia’s stance towards its relations with neighbors
(…) –despite the basic principles of international law and good
neighborhood– has become an obstacle to develop our relations with
Armenia. Upper Karabakh and Abkhazia problems are main obstacles
before peace and stability of southern Caucasia. Peaceful solution to
these problems will contribute to settlement of political stability
in the region. Turkey tries to make every type of contribution to
this issue. Upper Karabakh problem which emerged after Armenia’s
occupation of Azerbaijani land should be solved. Turkey is ready to
support a solution which will be accepted by both sides regarding
Upper Karabakh problem.”
-IRAQ-
”We believe that only an equal government structure without making
any discrimination among different religions, sects and ethnic in
Iraq can be successful in Iraq,” said Sezer. Turkey’s intense
dialogue with all sections of Iraq would continue in order to
contribute to preparation of the Iraqi constitution, he added.
-KIRKUK-
Sezer said that Iraqis, themselves, should determine the future of
Kirkuk city in Iraq, stressing that if any group tries to claim
ownership over the city this would lead to an ethnic chaos and
regional instability. Turkey could not stay indifferent in that
respect, Sezer said.
-LASTING PEACE IN MIDDLE EAST-
President Sezer stressed that Turkey was ready to extend all sorts of
aid to conflicting sides in the region particularly for settlement of
Palestine-Israeli conflict.
-AFGHANISTAN HAS SPECIAL IMPORTANCE-
Turkey also attributed importance to Central Asian countries, Sezer
said noting that ”Afghanistan has special importance for Turkey due
to historical ties.” Turkey extended full support to Afghanistan’s
reconstruction and it also commanded ISAF twice, he noted.
-RELATIONS WITH ASIA-PACIFIC COUNTRIES-
President Sezer also referred to the importance of developing
relations with Asia-Pacific countries particularly with Japan and
China and stressed that Turkey’s function would be very critical in
respect of connection of Asia and Europe by energy corridors,
railways and highways and for creating new regional dynamics.
-TURKEY’S GOALS-
Sezer also mentioned some of the goals of Turkey:”being a member of
the European Union (EU), strengthening the position of being a
regional power and also becoming a global power, being among the ten
biggest economies of the world with a sustainable development,
becoming an information society, being among the leading countries of
the world in science and technology and protecting the power of the
Turkish Armed Forces.”
Referring to some difficulties on the way to reach these goals, Sezer
said that ”we must increase our sensitivity towards the chaos and
tension caused by separatist terrorism and fundamentalism in the
society and don’t allow them to threaten the internal peace. We
should deal with this problem by having a national security
understanding.”
Sezer added that Turkey wanted to improve its relations with all of
its neighbours in a positive way.