TurkishPress.com
Dec 18 2009
Turkey’s Axis Is Ankara and Soil Of Anatolia, Davutoglu
Published: 12/18/2009
ANKARA – Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Friday a debate
is made regarding Turkey’s axis when Turkey pursues an effective
(foreign) policy.
Speaking on the 2010 budget of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
at the Turkish Parliamentary General Assembly, Davutoglu said that
Turkey’s axis is Ankara and the soil of Anatolia and this will
continue to be so in the future.
Turkey is situated in a highly important geography. Turkey is between
Europe and Asia and is a neighbor of Africa, Davutoglu said.
We implement a method that is focused on vision rather than crisis,
Davutoglu noted.
Turkey is one of the most important countries that will determine the
future of the European Union (EU). The future of the Middle East must
be shaped with our vision. We have to have an effective vision in the
Caucasus and the Balkans. We have to assume a wholistic approach
rather than one on pieces. Be careful about when discussions on
Turkey’s axis take place. Whenever Turkey pursues an effective
(foreign) policy, debates on Turkey’s axis take place. Turkey’s axis
is Ankara and the soil of Anatolia and this will continue to be so.
All other areas will be shaped around this axis, Davutoglu said.
While we were in the Balkans, our ears were directed at Afghanistan.
And, while we were in Afghanistan, our ears were directed at the
Balkans. We can not ignore any area. Any temporary neglect may have
terrible consequences, Davutoglu stressed.
The EU membership is a strategic goal for Turkey. An EU without Turkey
would be a continental power without a future. An EU with Turkey, on
the other hand, would be an economically dynamic, culturally embracing
and a global power with a future, Davutoglu said.
We have lifted visa requirements with our neighboring countries. We
have signed free trade agreements with many countries. And, relations
with Armenia continue. Unless there is comprehensive normalization and
the occupation of Azerbaijani territory by Armenian forces end, we
continue to stress that there could not be a one legged normalization,
Davutoglu said.
No single country can claim territory from Turkey. If there is such a
claim, then the response to be given is clear, Davutoglu also said.