ERDOGAN MEETS U.S. REPRESENTATIVES
Anatolian Times, Turkey
May 31 2006
ANKARA – “It is a must to lift unfair isolations and embargoes imposed
on Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC),” said Turkish Prime
Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan when he met the members of a U.S. House
of Representatives delegation in Ankara on Tuesday.
Erdogan and delegation members focused on Cyprus, Iran, relations
between Israel and Palestine, Iraq and allegations regarding the
so-called Armenian genocide, during the meeting.
Erdogan said “TRNC is for peace and it should not be punished. Also
Greek Cypriot administration –which voted against Annan Plan–
should not be rewarded. We expect the United States to take new steps
on this issue”.
Regarding Hamas, Erdogan said, “To assure the security is the first
thing to do to settle the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, and then,
road map should be re-activated. We support a solution based on
a two-state formula. Palestinian people should not be punished by
cutting humanitarian aid.”
-IRAN-
“Turkey is for a fair solution,” said Erdogan regarding Iran issue.
As regards developments in Iraq, he indicated, “Kirkuk`s status
should be preserved. Deployment of joint efforts against terrorist
organization (PKK) is important.”
Erdogan also explained his interlocutors Turkey`s theses about
allegations regarding so-called Armenian genocide.
On the other hand, U.S. Congressmen Roy Blunt and Steny Hoyer supported
Turkey`s suggestion to establish a commission of historians to study
the allegations (of the Armenians).
Hoyer noted that Turkey and the United States attach utmost importance
to security and stability in Middle East and the world, adding that
elimination of terrorism is a priority for both countries.
Regarding Israeli-Palestinian dispute, Hoyer said that the United
States welcomes the message sent by Turkish FM Abdullah Gul`s
(to Hamas) asking it to give up terrorism and supporting two-state
solution.
Noting that statements of Hamas to destroy Israel by means of
terrorism caused uneasiness in the United States, Hoyer said that
they will not recognize Hamas as a legitimate interlocutor until it
gives up terrorism.