GENOCIDE MONUMENT IN THESSALONICA OVERSHADOWS RELATIONS, GUL

Anatolian Times, Turkey
May 15 2006

IZMIR – The “Pontus Greek genocide” monument built in Greek city of
Thessalonica has overshadowed friendly relations between Turkey and
Greece, Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said on Friday.

In an exclusive interview with A.A correspondent, Gul recalled that
Aegean city of Izmir and Thessalonica were planning to sign a sister
city protocol, and qualified Izmir Mayor Aziz Kocaoglu`s decision
not to sign this protocol as a right decision.

Gul underlined positive course of Turkish-Greek relations, but
said that Turkish non-governmental organizations will launch some
initiatives to protest erection of such a monument.

Pointing out that some circles in Turkey decided to erect a monument
in (northwestern town of) Kesan in the memory of those who lost their
lives during the War of Independence, Gul stressed that such mutual
initiatives will be no use to anyone.

-FRENCH RESOLUTION-

Commenting on the resolution, presented to the French parliament
which makes any denial of the so-called Armenian genocide a crime,
Gul said that they aim to warn France beforehand about the possible
outcome of this resolution.

Gul indicated that he discussed this matter with French Foreign
Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy some time ago.

“As far as I have seen, the French government is doing its best.

Sometimes such matters concerning domestic policies can harm that
country`s interests. I think that France`s interests will be given
priority,” he emphasized.

-WE WILL DO WHAT IS NECESSARY-

“We will not listen to anything when Turkey`s security is in
question. We will do what is necessary”, said Gul when commenting
on Iraqi President Jalal Talabani`s remarks that the United States
has assured them that Turkey will not stage a military operation in
north of Iraq.

-EXPO 2015-

On the other hand, Gul supported Izmir`s candidacy to host EXPO 2015.

“More than 50 million people are expected to visit EXPO ten years
later. Our preparations continue,” he said.

Gul announced that he will start travelling by plane within a week
or ten days, and added that Azerbaijani capital of Baku will be the
first place he will visit.

FM Gul underwent a successful surgery at Ankara`s Gulhane Military
Medical Academy (GATA) on March 20th for a trauma in his inner ear
stemming from upper respiratory tract infection and cabin pressure.

Gul`s scheduled visits abroad were cancelled as he was not permitted
to travel by plane.