Turkish Press
Oct 12 2007

Erdogan: Whatever The Cost Is, It Will Be Met
Published: 10/12/2007

ISTANBUL – "If we decide on a cross-border operation, we do not have
patience to lose more time. Whatever the cost is, it will be met,"
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday.
Replying to questions of journalists, Prime Minister Erdogan said,
"if we decide on a cross-border operation, we do not have patience to
lose more time. In order to take such a step instantly, we need to be
ready. Its frame has already been set in the motion. Further details
will be determined through consultations with the General Staff and
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."

"Turkey lost 30 people in the acts of terror in the last two weeks.
It is impossible for us to bear it forever. If there are terrorists
sheltering and receiving training in a neighboring country and if
that country does not do anything then we should do something," he
said.

Upon a question about possible international criticisms about such a
cross-border operation, Erdogan told reporters, "after going down
this route, its cost has already been calculated. Whatever the cost
is, it will be met. We will discuss it in detail without making a
decision. There could be pros and cons of such a decision but what is
important is our country’s interests. We do not have any plans or
ideas of sanction regarding the Iraqi government. Since the very
beginning, we have been advocating that Iraq’s territorial integrity
and political unity should be protected."

"As you know, we signed an agreement with Iraq about the fight
against terrorism. Since the Iraqi parliament has not ratified it
yet, the agreement does not have any validity," he said.

Upon another question, Prime Minister Erdogan said that withdrawal of
the Turkish Ambassador in Washington D.C. is out of question, adding,
"Turkish Ambassador Nabi Sensoy could be recalled by the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs for consultations."