Zaman, Turkey
May 14 2006
Compelling Statements from Erdogan
By Ekrem Dumanli, Bali, Indonesia
Published:
zaman.com
Journalists had the opportunity to hear significant remarks from
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on domestic and
international issues during his visit to Indonesia.
Erdogan traveled to Indonesia to attend a gathering of D-8 countries
after his visit to Austria, where a meeting of officials from the
European Union and Latin American countries was held.
On the flight from Austria to Indonesia, journalists heard Erdogan
speak on a wide range of topics – from the Middle East to the upcoming
presidential elections in Turkey, from the tension between the
governments of Turkey and France over the so-called Armenian
genocide, to his recent football performance.
Erdogan is making plans for a surprise visit to the United States; he
believes that as Turkey is Co-President of the Greater Middle-East
and Northern Africa Projects, it has an immense responsibility and
the Turkish government should do its utmost.
`The tension in the region is set to mount due to Iran’s nuclear
activities. I do not expect to see a war; however, there is bound to
be a heavy price for us to pay. I have plans to take a trip to the
United States as soon as I return to my country.’
Erdogan pressed for the need to recognize Iran’s right to have
nuclear power, provided that Iran’s nuclear involvement be open to
international inspection.
The Tehran administration does not object to an examination of its
nuclear activities, said Erdogan, and stressed the need not to be
over-judgmental, since it is not the change of regime in Iran that
deserves focus.
The recent growing trend of reactionary news in Turkey is bound to
the approaching presidential elections, said Erdogan.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced he will ask
the United States for an appointment to discuss the Iran, Iraq, and
Palestine issues after returning to Turkey from Indonesia.
`As co-chairman of the Greater Middle East and Northern Africa
Projects, Turkey is under a huge responsibility,’ Erdogan said,
tension has escalated in the region due to Iran’s nuclear activities.
`I predict hot developments in the region. In such a case, Turkey
will suffer greatly. I am thinking of visiting the US as soon as I
return to Turkey, and I will ask for an appointment. On May 25 and
26, I will meet the German Chancellor Angela Merkel, which is
important for the United Nations Security Council. We should discuss
the Iraq, Iran, Israel, and Palestine issues.’
Erdogan stressed that the Iranian issue can be resolved
diplomatically and said Iran has the right to enjoy nuclear power;
however, its activities should be open to international inspections.
`The issue should not be quickly and harshly resolved. A regime
change in Iran should not be discussed. There are problems with
transparency, however, Iran is not against International Atomic
Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections and the international community
should be informed about that.’
Erdogan said he did not approve of the international community
halting the transfer of financial aid to Palestine after HAMAS
(Islamic Resistance Movement) won the elections and discussed the
issue with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
`Palestine is like an open prison,’ Erdogan said, adding, `When Rice
came to Turkey I asked her about the decision to stop humanitarian
and financial aid to Palestine and said, `It is not appropriate.’
Rice said `the US is still sending humanitarian aid’ and I told her
that `Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas does not confirm this.’ We
are discussing humanitarian aid including food, oil, and sugar with
Turkey’s Special Coordinator to Palestine Vehbi Dincerler. I spoke to
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. He also shares our feelings.’
Algeria bill implications
Erdogan noted France’s bill to criminalize denial of the so-called
Armenian genocide is related to its domestic political issues.
Emphasizing that French President Jacques Chirac also voiced his
discomfort over the bill during their conversation in Vienna, Erdogan
said: `Chirac wants that the bill be decided by the lower wing and
should not be carried to parliament. He said the agenda of the French
Parliament was already too busy.’
Erdogan said he met with representatives of French companies
operating in Turkey and added that they are also uncomfortable with
the current situation.
Erdogan said that a country that has considerable investments in
Turkey will of course be negatively affected with this kind of a
situation.
Replying to a question on whether Turkey could take a similar
decision about the genocide in Algeria in response to France’s move,
Erdogan said, they have not made any moves towards such a decision
yet and added: `Our patience continues up to a certain point. We want
to reach an agreement and we will continue to act with patience, but
I don’t know what will happen if this process in France continues. We
are not in the position of hostility; however, we can apply our own
sanctions.’
Negotiations can start next month
Prime Minister Erdogan also touched upon Turkey’s relations with the
European Union (EU) during our conversation and said that half the
screening process was complete.
Erdogan said the negotiations, which will be conducted as two
chapters, will start before Austria’s term presidency ends in June.
Erdogan said the process continues and that they do not need to visit
all EU member countries as they did prior to the December 17 process,
and added: `We already meet with the leaders during the summits and
have had the opportunity to impart our position. Even if we do not
have a place in the family portrait, we are invited to participate as
a gesture.’
Erdogan emphasized the government evaluates the developments over the
EU in all meetings it conducts and added that some important steps
will be taken next year in order to strengthen ties with the EU.
AKP ready for contributions to CTA, not for its withdrawal
`We are ready to work with anybody prepared to contribute to the
Counter-terrorism Act (CTA). The lawyers or others should come and
share their concerns about the CTA with us; however, no one should
expect us to completely withdraw the CTA. About twenty NGO’s came to
us with their concerns about the CTA. I told them `Let’s make this
law as a nation not just as the Justice and Development Party (AKP)
Government.’ The security forces expect legal support from us for
their struggle against terrorism. The CTA was already prepared
consulting all organs of the state. The Turkish Armed Forces is one
of them and the Presidency is another.’