Turkish F.M. Leaves For Netherlands
Anadolu Agency, Turkey
Sept 3 2004
ANKARA – Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul left on Friday for the
Netherlands to attend the European Union (EU) Informal Ministerial
meeting.
Before he flew to the Netherlands, Gul told reporters that the draft
Turkish Penal Code (TCK) had not been given its final shape and
presented to the parliament, and refrained from commenting on the
amendments made to the draft which considered adultery as a crime.
Gul expressed thought that the matter was not reflected correctly to
Turkish public opinion.
“Every country can have some sensitivities peculiar to itself.
Turkish society can have some sensitivities and different views and
feelings about several matters as how Ireland has some sensitivities
about birth control and abortion, and some other countries have
similar sensitivities. I am sure that we will reach a conclusion in
a civilized way,” Gul added.
GUL: I DON’T KNOW HOW CORRECT IT IS TO LINK PUTIN’S VISIT WITH
TERRORIST ACT IN NORTH OSSETIA
Gul said, “I don’t know how correct it is to link (Russian President
Vladimir) Putin’s visit (to Turkey) with the terrorist act in North
Ossetia.”
Gul told reporters, “it is a reality that Russia is facing such
terrorist attacks for a long time. Therefore, I don’t know how correct
it is to link the recent terrorist act with this visit.”
Gul said that nobody could reach anywhere by terrorism, and those who
used terrorism as a tool to reach their targets would be considered
unjust although they had a rightful cause.
“Terror on innocent people, and violence against defenseless people
are wrong,” Gul stated, and said that Turkey condemned all those acts.
When he was recalled about the statement of Turkish Prime Minister
Recep Tayyip Erdogan that Turkey would fulfil its responsibilities
regarding the terrorist act in North Ossetia, Gul said, “if they ask
us to settle the matter peacefully, we will exert every effort we can.”
When a reporter recalled British press reports that some Chechen
leaders including Aslan Mashadov were in Turkey, Gul said those press
reports were inaccurate and noted, “Russian officials also know that
these claims are not correct.” He added that Russia had not asked
Turkey any questions about these claims.
-TURKEY-IRAQ-
Answering a question about Turks abducted and killed in Iraq, Gul
said that Turkey had taken and implemented some measures regarding
the matter. “But, unfortunately our citizens who travel to Iraq don’t
take our recommendations seriously.”
Therefore, Gul stated, they decided to tighten their measures.
Gul added, “who are behind these acts? Organs who will analyze this
matter attended our meeting (at the Foreign Ministry). What can the
reason (of these acts) be? Turkey is a friend of Iraqi people. It has
proven its friendship with its stance after the Iraq war. We need to
find the reasons of these attacks against Turks that are staged in
a period when Turkey is being sympathized in the Middle East as it
has never been sympathized before. We search for the reasons.”
Recalling that Turkey did not have any military forces in Iraq, Gul
said, “we are in Iraq to help (Iraqi people), to meet humanitarian
needs, and to serve (Iraqi people.) We need to well analyze the reason
of these attacks since this is our sole aim.”
-KERRY’S STATEMENT-
When recalled the statements of U.S. President candidate John Kerry
who said if he is elected as President, he will recognize so-called
Armenian genocide, Gul said, “this issue is important for Turkey.
Thus, we follow it closely.”
“However” Gul added, “such statements have made in the United States
previously during election milieu.”
When asked whether a Turkish diplomat on ambassador level will
be appointed to Jerusalem Consulate General and recalled that this
appointment does not take place in recent ambassadors decree, Gul said,
“the ambassadors decree which is published in news reports and the
appointment are separate issues.”
-MEETING IN THE NETHERLANDS-
Gul said, “the issues which will be discussed in the meeting in the
Netherlands are important for Turkey.” He added, “we will discuss
international issues and especially Iraq and international terrorism.”
Noting, “I will have bilateral meetings within the scope of the meeting
in the Netherlands,” Gul said, “the most important issue which will
be discussed is Cyprus.”
Gul said, “as you know, there is a decision which was taken by
Council of Europe about Cyprus and a report which was prepared by
the EU Commission.” He added, “we closely follow these issues.”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress