ERDOGAN: THE UNIFIL MANDATE DOES NOT STIPULATE DISARMING HIZBOLLAH
BY Ghassan Charbel Al-Hayat

Dar Al-Hayat, Lebanon
Oct 18 2006

Here is the full text of the interview:

Al-Hayat: Why has Turkey decided to contribute troops to the UNIFIL-II
deployed South Lebanon? What guarantees have you got to ensure your
soldiers’ safety?

Recep Tayyib Erdogan: We cannot draw a line between the developments
ongoing in Lebanon and Palestine. It all started when an Israeli
soldier was first captured in Palestine then two others in Lebanon.

Consequently, Israel retaliated with excessive force, which in turn
compounded the situation even further. At this, we initiated intense
diplomatic contacts with President Mahmoud Abbas, PM Ismail Haniya,
and Ehud Olmert in order to settle the first problem in Palestine.

With respect to Lebanon, we contacted the Lebanese Premier Fouad
Siniora, Olmert, Jack Chirac, as well as the leaders of Germany,
Russia, and Britain in attempt to establish peace in the region. By
the same token, the Turkish Foreign Minister, Abdullah Gul, visited
the region, mainly Israel, Lebanon, and Syria, which gave us a clear
picture of the realities there.

In the same vein, we supported the UNSC Resolution both verbally and
practically. Our government has even braved the domestically hostile
media campaigns in Turkey and decided to dispatch troops to Lebanon.

For this reason, we called the Lebanese government, with all its
components, including "Hizbollah," as well as Syria and they all
welcomed this step. Thus, we decided to help our Lebanese brethren.

Besides, the majority of Turkish parliament endorsed this step as means
to offer Lebanon humanitarian assistance and establish peace there.

After having sent a naval force to Lebanon, the time has come now
for the ground troops and engineers to help their brothers in Lebanon
and to promote peace and security in the Middle East.

Al-Hayat: What message would you like to convey to the Lebanese?

Recep Tayyib Erdogan: I urge the Lebanese people to view the Turkish
soldiers as their brothers. During my talks with PM Fouad Siniora,
he told me that our soldiers are guests. So, we are sending you our
brothers to help you rebuild your country and safeguard peace. As your
guests, the Turkish soldiers will be an example to follow thanks to
their good conduct and commendable morals.

We felicitate you on the occasion of Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr. We
ask God Almighty to have mercy on all the war martyrs and offer our
sincere condolences to the victims families.

Reinforcing Stability

Al-Hayat: You are a part of the UNIFIL force, established by virtue
of the UN Resolution 1701 following the last Israeli aggression
against Lebanon. Do you think that this resolution disengages the
Lebanese-Israeli border from military conflict?

Recep Tayyib Erdogan: We welcome the UNSC Resolution 1701, which,
if fully implemented, will consecrate a permanent cease fire and
a long-term solution to this conflict. In other words, there is
no room for complacence. The international community, the parties
to the conflict, and the regional actors must all reinforce the
confidence-building measures and forge a viable political framework
for a long-term solution, as enshrined in the Resolution 1701.

The Security Council unanimous adoption of the said resolution equally
endorsed by the conflicting parties and the regional states, along
with the recent developments, such as the deployment of UNIFIL-II in
Lebanon are all positive signs proving that peace can be maintained
in this region.

I would like to seize this opportunity in order to underline once
again that our decision to participate in these troops stem from our
active endeavors to reinforce regional stability. Our initiative was
welcomed and encouraged by all parties, including Lebanon and Israel.

In truth, we will not send combat troops, but units to offer
humanitarian assistance, help in the reconstruction process and
conduct naval patrols.

Al-Hayat: Various international requests urge Hizbollah to disarm
and abandon its weapons. What is your stance? How do you perceive
the solution?

Recep Tayyib Erdogan: First and foremost, the UNSC Resolution 1701
does not mandate the UNIFIL to disarm Hizbollah. This issue is simply
about political integration in Lebanon.

Al-Hayat: How do you foresee the future of Lebanon after the last
war and following the assassination of the former Prime Minister
Rafic Hariri?

Recep Tayyib Erdogan: Turkey strongly supports Lebanon’s sovereignty,
independence, and political unity. We hope that the winds of change
that blew across Lebanon after the withdrawal of all foreign troops
will bring about a strong political, economic, and social structure.

A plural and democratic Lebanon will be a stabilizing factor in the
region and Turkey’s important partner.

At this critical stage, the Lebanese government needs to be
strengthened so that it can extend its effective control over all the
Lebanese territory. We cannot in this regard but hail the Lebanese
government for its remarkable performance during the crisis despite
all the obstacles it bumped across. For this reason, the Lebanese
government needs to preserve this consensus and unity if it really
wants to normalize the situation in Lebanon gradually.

Al-Hayat: Rafic Hariri was your friend. Do you expect the probe into
his assassination to yield tangible results?

Recep Tayyib Erdogan: We hope that the International Investigation
Commission will unveil the truth as soon as possible for the
investigation cannot be wrapped up with no one accused. It cannot be
said that this crime was committed by an unknown! We also hope that
this investigation will not turn Lebanon and Syria into enemies,
but will, in contrast, open a new page of mutual peace, friendship
and cooperation. As we all know, Turkey has crucially helped the
investigation when it offered to host the investigation with Syrian
officials in the Turkish city of Gaziantep before Geneva was chosen.

With no doubt, our proposal has safeguarded the investigation.

Al-Hayat: Does Turkey fear that a potential Iranian-American row
would negatively affect the situation in the South? Does the UNIFIl’s
mandate include disarming Hizbollah?

Recep Tayyib Erdogan: We cannot claim that this process is not fraught
with risks. Life itself is bristled with dangers. We have already
taken the decision and we are fully aware of the ensuing risks. But
we have discussed this issue with the US and Iran. We hope that the
currently prevailing peace will last, that we won’t be embroiled
again in violence and death. So far, things appear calm.

Turkey will spare no efforts to ensure regional stability. The
countries that sent troops to Lebanon, like Germany, Italy, and
France all assert that things are back to normal there. In addition,
the situation will improve further with the participation of some
Islamic and Arab countries, even with small contingents.

Most importantly, the political and religious leaders must, in my
opinion, avoid any provocative declarations because the sole victim
in this case will be the people.

In addition, the UNIFIL mandate does not include disarming any
faction. Our Parliament’s authorization in this regard is clear
and limited to humanitarian and social services. From the start,
we have asserted that the Turkish army will not take part in any
disarmament process. No one can oblige to behave differently. Even
more, Kofi Annan and Siniora have both confirmed that this mission
does not fall under UNIFIL’s mandate.

Al-Hayat: Do you anticipate a potential US-Iranian showdown over the
nuclear file? What do you recommend?

Recep Tayyib Erdogan: The six countries that offered an incentive
package to Iran in June, including the US, are now threatening of
imposing potential sanctions. Still, they will be open to dialogue
with Iran. The essence of the problem is whether Iran will prove
to the international community that it pursues its nuclear program
for peaceful goals – which is indeed its legitimate right. I still
hope this problem will be diplomatically settled. We stand ready to
contribute to every effort to this end.

Al-Hayat: Does Turkey fear Iran’s mounting role in the region?

Recep Tayyib Erdogan: We harbor no concerns in this regard. Every
State has the right to strengthen its interests and clout. Turkey too
is striving to protect its clout and interests in the region. The
point is, Turkey tries to harness its regional weight and power to
establish peace and win friends. In other words, Turkey’s foreign
policy basically intends to win more friends not enemies.

The Confessional War

Al-Hayat: Does Turkey fear the Sunnite-Shiite struggle in the region?

Recep Tayyib Erdogan: It is so dangerous, in our opinion, to highlight
a potential confessional or even racist war in the region, or even
to foment one. Alas, the Iraqi people alone will pay the price of
this confessional and racist conflict. In truth, two Muslim brothers
cannot fight each other on the basis of confessional differences. As
a result, this war will breed no winners but losers.

Al-Hayat: How will Turkey react if we woke up one day to an
Iranian-conducted nuclear test?

Recep Tayyib Erdogan: (smiling) This is a military question.

Al-Hayat: How do you assess the situation in Iraq? Do you expect it
to trigger a civil war?

Recep Tayyib Erdogan: Honestly, I believe that the unrelenting security
problem, sectarian polarization, corruption, and the failure of the
national government to provide basic services dangerously threaten
Iraq’s political transition and unity. I don’t underestimate the
current risks unfolding in Iraq. I am quite sure that the consequences
of a divided Iraq could be even worse than the currently prevailing
situation.

A Launch pad for Terrorism

Al-Hayat: Are you concerned about a potential federal regime in Iraq,
especially in Iraqi Kurdistan? Where do you draw your own red line?

What would be your response in case Iraqi Kurdistan proceeds toward
a full autonomy?

Recep Tayyib Erdogan: In my opinion, the Iraqis need to strike
a balance between protecting their cultural diversity and Iraq’s
democratic national unity. Iraq is our sovereign and independent
neighbor. The currently enforced Iraqi constitution provides for
a federal, united, plural, and democratic Iraq. I see no reason
that prevents us from coping with any of these four elements. Most
importantly, Iraq must not become a rear base for terrorists to
launch their trans-border attacks against the neighboring countries
and beyond. That would certainly destabilize the region.

No Intervention in Iraq

Al-Hayat: When can the Turkish army intervene in Iraq? To protect
the Turkmen or prevent the establishment of a Kurdish state?

Recep Tayyib Erdogan: This issue is not put on our agenda. End 2003,
the parliament authorized us to send troops to Iraq – a step that
wasn’t accomplished since the Iraqis refused our presence in their
country and we cannot be present in a country to which we aren’t
invited. So, we dispatched our troops to Lebanon based on the Lebanese
invitation. What worries us the most is the prevailing conditions in
Kirkuk. In other words, we are afraid for Iraq and its future and
not from it! If Kirkuk’s demographic structure was changed, for it
to be handed in subsequently to the Kurds, this might open wounds
that will not heal easily.

Al-Hayat: Will your ties with Paris be affected by the French
Parliament’s decision to criminalize any denial of the "Armenian
genocide"?

Recep Tayyib Erdogan: We have expressed our deep concern for this
French step and for the declarations the French President made during
his visit to Armenia. In fact, I have received today a phone call
from Chirac who voiced his regret. I have told him that he is one of
Europe’s most experienced and influential leaders. We were annoyed
because his MPs, who form the majority in the Parliament, have not
attended the vote session. Most importantly, we expect you, as I told
him, to use your powers appropriately with respect to that law.

Al-Hayat: How do you asses the outcome of the "war on terror" in
light of the US invasion of Iraq?

Recep Tayyib Erdogan: Turkey has struggled since 1970s against
terrorism requiring a combined effort from all countries.

Unfortunately, the international community has only embraced the
concept of combating terrorism wherever and by whomsoever committed
with a combined international effort after 9/11 and following terrorist
attacks. No country is immune to the threat of global terrorism. Thus,
all countries must disrupt the financing of terrorism, cooperate fully
with other countries in combating terrorism, bring the terrorists
before heavy penalty courts without giving them refugee status,
prevent active or passive assistance to terrorism-related individuals
and groups and finally extradite terrorists if they fail to try
then. However, it is true that some countries misuse root-causes issue
for condoning terrorism. On the one hand, they condemn terrorism yet
they cannot prevent individuals and groups on their territories from
supporting terrorism.

On the other hand, it is also true that terrorist activities continue
unabated in Iraq despite the intervention of the US and Coalition
Forces. For instance, the PKK terrorist organization takes shelter
in Northern Iraq and infiltrates into our country to conduct terror
acts. For this reason, it is difficult to say that combating terrorism
in Iraq is successful.

Failure in Iraq is not an option

Al-Hayat: Do you think that the stances of some neighboring countries
aggravated the situation in Iraq?

Recep Tayyib Erdogan: To preserve our primary national interests,
we need to build a stable and prosperous environment in our immediate
geographical proximity. Hence, failure in Iraq is not an option for the
international community. Therefore, we actively encourage all Iraq’s
neighboring countries to play a positive role in these transitional
times. To this end, Turkey has spearheaded the meetings the Foreign
and Interior ministers from the Iraq’s neighboring countries have held.

Al-Hayat: How do you describe the current Syrian-Turkish relations?

Recep Tayyib Erdogan: Turkey’s relations with Syria have been unstable
in the past. Nonetheless, we managed to mend fences over time and
to develop a mutually beneficial, long-term, and multi-faceted
relationship.

We have a constant dialogue with Syria on the bilateral and regional
issues. During the last crisis, for instance, we exchanged views on how
to ease the tension. To this end, I visited Syria on August 22, 2006
and tackled this issue along with our growing bilateral relations. In
our opinion, engagement rather than isolation is the key word in
dealing with Syria. Our experience so far has proved it to be true.

Al-Hayat: How does Turkey make use of its relations with Israel and
the Palestinian Authority (PA)?

Recep Tayyib Erdogan: Turkey has maintained close relations with Israel
and the Palestinian Authority since their foundation. Indeed, Turkey
was among the first countries to recognize the State of Israel and the
first in Europe to recognize the Palestinian Liberation Organization
in 1975 and the state of Palestine in 1988. Based on this historical
background, our relations have flourished since then.

Thanks to these fruitful relations and to our confidence in both sides,
we have actively contributed to the efforts to find a peaceful solution
to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

As a matter of fact, the need to strengthen our ties with the
Arab-Islamic world, as cited in the D-8 initiative we launched,
the incrementally growing trade relations with Arab countries, our
increased cooperation with the Arab League, and our active presence
in the OIC, do refute these criticisms.

Even more, Turkey’s foreign policy towards the Middle East rests on
a balanced, impartial, and equal pillar. Consequently, our bilateral
relations with a particular country do not impinge on our ties with
another state. On the contrary, these relations complement each other,
thus contributing to regional cooperation, peace and stability in
the Middle East.

The Alliance of Civilizations

Al-Hayat: Have the 9/11 attacks triggered a crisis in the relation
between Islam and West?

Recep Tayyib Erdogan: It is true that the 9/11 terrorist attacks and
the subsequent developments have blurred perceptions on both sides.

The rise of "Islamophobia" in the Western societies is one of the major
threats and challenges that global peace order faces now. Based on
the provocative misperceptions reflected in the irresponsible words
the political and religious leaders use, anti-Islamic tendencies
have apparently gained momentum in the West after 9/11, which has
unfortunately hindered efforts to fend off theories, like clash of
civilizations.

Indeed, there are certainly many issues on which the major cultures
and belief systems of our day disagree. This is certainly not new.

Some of these issues are real and some misperceived. Thus, we must
first eliminate the extremists on both sides, extremists who want to
create a lasting rift between the West and the Islamic World. For this
reason, Turkey is cosponsoring the momentous Alliance of Civilizations
initiative in an attempt to forge a comprehensive coalition by
establishing a paradigm of mutual respect between civilizations and
cultures, one likely to prevent the relations between societies and
nations from deteriorating.

Al-Hayat: Are these sensitivities responsible for the intricate
hurdles hampering Turkey’s EU membership?

Recep Tayyib Erdogan: The question is whether Turkey will culturally
match the EU. We prefer to look at this issue from another
perspective. With a predominantly Muslim population, Turkey is also
a secular democratic republic, i.e. the antidote to the clash of
civilizations. This is one of the reasons why Turkey’s membership
to the EU will have global repercussions. Again, we need to forge a
Alliance of Civilizations. How can we transcend cultural boundaries to
create harmony and tolerance on the one hand then deny on the other
Turkey’s membership because of its cultural identity? This question
needs to be addressed first and foremost to the EU not to Turkey. For
our part, we will endeavor to meet Copenhagen criteria.

We do not want preferential treatment and we will never accept
discrimination.

Moderation and Extremism

Al-Hayat: Do you believe that the Moderate Islam represented by
the Turkish model is the solution or do you fear the emergence of a
radical Islam following the clashes with the army and the supporters
and advocates of a secular state?

Recep Tayyib Erdogan: Turkey is a democracy where all citizens enjoy
fundamental freedoms. Such freedoms ensure a lively debate on many
issues still viewed as taboos elsewhere in the world. Why? It is
because Turkey is the only predominantly Muslim country that has a
real democracy with all its institutions and checks and balances. In
a democracy, issues close to the hearts and minds of voters will
be discussed at length so popular consensus can be reached on the
way forward.

In the same vein, it is important to note that in the secular Turkish
Republic, religion and politics do not mix. There is no ongoing clash
within Turkey.

Al-Hayat: How does Turkey reconcile its close relation with the US
and its NATO affiliation and its Arab and Muslim policy?

Recep Tayyib Erdogan: Turkey faces no problems in this regard. Our
close relations with the US, the EU and our membership in NATO are
the fundamental pillars of our foreign policy. We also have close
relations with the Middle East countries. These are not competing
or conflicting relations in any way. On the contrary, they are
mutually reinforcing. Turkey’s foreign policy has always rested on
a multidimensional approach. Strategically located at the epicenter
of Eurasia, Turkey will continue to develop and deepen its relations
with both the West and the East.

Al-Hayat: How do you assess the current US-Turkish relations?

Recep Tayyib Erdogan: In June, the Foreign Ministers announced from
Washington, D.C. the "Strategic vision document" serving as a framework
to advance the longstanding, strong, and strategic Turkish American
partnership. This document came as the outcome of our nearly 60 years
of relations and our solidarity.

The United States is our ally, and one of our main partners regarding
regional and global policy issues. We also share a unique strategic
cooperation. In short, we value this bilateral relation that entails
a shared vision and common long-term interests.

Turkey and the United States share the same ideals in their regional
and global objectives. Commitment to freedom, democracy, rule of law
and market economy all shape our vision of the upcoming world order.

In this unique situation, we have to diversify our means to take
up our common challenges and to mutually reinforce each other in
various tracks, thereby launching a successful result-oriented
structured fruitful dialogue, one that will enable Turkey to convey
its sensitivities regarding our region.

Al-Hayat: How do you describe the Turkish-Saudi relations?

Recep Tayyib Erdogan: Saudi Arabia is one of the most influential
actors in the region. Our mutual interests converge in our active
attempts to establish lasting peace and prosperity in the region. As
a result, the visit of King Abdullah in August has bolstered the
relations.

Al-Hayat: Much has been said about the Turkish role in the aftermath of
the Soviet Union collapse. How do you perceive Turkey’s regional role?

Recep Tayyib Erdogan: First of all, Turkey plays a pivotal country
in the Eurasian area thanks to its geography, history, and modern
progressive mentality. Its strategic importance is not due only to
its geographical location but comprises other valuable factors like
its development level, alliances, as well as political, economic,
military, and cultural relations.

Following the end of cold war and the USSR demise, Turkey stood at the
center of Eurasia, which gained in the new millennium an increasing
geopolitical significance

We are proud of our remarkable relations with the European Asian
countries based on sovereignty and mutual benefit. Thanks to our common
ethnic, historical and cultural ties with the Eurasian countries,
we have cultivated a strong sense of solidarity.

In addition, the region enjoys valuable natural resources. So,
benefiting from its geographical location, Turkey mapped out and
implemented plans with a view of establishing an energy corridor
between the hydrocarbon resources of the Caspian countries and the
energy-consuming markets in Europe. The East-West Energy Corridor will
not benefit Turkey alone but will contribute through interdependence
to the stability and economic welfare of the neighboring countries too.

Turkey plays a pivotal role in facing the threats of 21st century.

The repercussions of international terrorism, fed by drug-trafficking,
organized crime and all other sorts of illicit wealth spill across
the world. Given the vital link between security and stability in
Eurasia and the West, the challenges we face today necessitate a
multi-dimensional approach, whereby democratic, economic and social
reforms must be promoted along with defense and security-related
issues. In this vein, Turkey is assisting these countries to become
more stable and economically self-sufficient, so that they can
eventually fully integrate the international order.

Turkey strives to bring the East and the West closer in every respect
– a step we need now more than ever in order to face the growing
misperceptions between the East and the West.

* Al-Hayat Translation Unit

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