SPECULATIONS OVER AEGEAN ARE BROUGHT TO AGENDA BY MEDIA IN AN EXAGGERATED WAY
ANKARA - Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday, ``such speculations over the Aegean are always brought to agenda by the media in a very different and exaggerated way.`` Erdogan held a press conference prior to his departure for Malaysia, the first stop of his Asia tour.
Replying a question which said, ``the Greek government claims that Turkish planes harassed Greek planes. Besides, the opposition Republican People`s Party (CHP) made statements that the government did not act in a manly manner. What do you think?`` Erdogan said, ``such speculations over the Aegean are not only today but always brought to the agenda by the media in a very different and exaggerated way.``
``At the moment, we are in the European Union process. During this process, both Turkey and the Greek side should take up such issues sensitively. We must act sensitively here, and as Turkey, I believe that we do have the sensitivity. I believe that also Greece would show the same sensitivity as Turkey,`` he said.
``First of all, the opposition party`s using such an expression proves that they are in a very different position. As the government of the Republic of Turkey, we don`t determine our attitudes and take position according to words of the opposition party. We have given the necessary response to this party so far. However, it seems that they do not follow what the ruling party says and does. If they do not follow what we do and say, then we don`t have time to tell them what we do and say again,`` he said.
When reminded of cancellation of electricity distribution companies Cukurova Elektrik`s and Kepez Elektrik`s operation rights and confiscation of their facilities and asked whether or not it was a political decision, Erdogan said, ``it is a decision that was taken unanimously by the Energy Market Regulatory Agency (EPDK). And the Energy and Natural Resources Minister has put this decision into practice. This decision of the ministry is a step taken for benefits of the public.``
WE BELIEVE THAT MUCH INTENSE ECONOMIC COOPERATION SHOULD BE DEVELOPED WITH MALAYSIA AND PAKISTAN
Noting that there had been close and sincere relations between Turkey and Malaysia for a long time, Erdogan said that Malaysia was one of the most dynamic and developed countries in southeastern Asia, and it had recorded economic and social progress in a short time.
Stating that Malaysian people had reached a significant level of prosperity, and Malaysia had achieved this success with its own capabilities in a short time after the Asia financial crisis in 1997, Erdogan said, ``undoubtedly, it is a result of hardworking, well-educated and productive work force and a foresighted and stable political administration.``
Stressing that Turkey and Malaysia were situated in different regions in terms of geostrategy but those regions had similar importance, Erdogan said, ``however, there is a potential which is not benefited sufficiently in terms of our commercial and economic relations. We believe that this is caused by lack of information in the Turkish and Malaysian business circles about the countries` capacity and opportunities. In order to contribute to removal of this lack of information, a delegation including state ministers Ali Babacan and Kursad Tuzmen, Transportation Minister Binali Yildirim, parliamentarians and businessmen is accompanying me.``
Noting that the Turkish-Malaysian Business Council would convene during their visit, Erdogan said that meetings of the council would contribute to friendship and cooperation.
Stating that they would proceed to ``friendly and sister`` country Pakistan after they wrapped up their visit to Malaysia, Erdogan said, ``Turkey and Pakistan have friendly and brotherhood relations based on common historical, cultural and moral values. In today`s world where relations are generally based on material interests, the existing traditional feelings of friendship and love between the Turkish and Pakistani peoples have resulted in appearance of a unique solidarity between our two countries. Both countries have supported each other in several international platforms. Turkey and Pakistan jointly take place in the international front that was formed to fight against terrorism and every kind of crime after the September 11 incidents.``
Erdogan noted that they appreciated and supported the fight against excessive movements and terrorist organizations and the campaign for modernization, which were both initiated by Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf. Recalling that Foreign Minister and deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul had recently paid a beneficial and productive visit to Pakistan, and their visit proved the importance that their government attributed to this country, Erdogan said, ``I hope that my visit would further contribute to development of our bilateral relations and cooperation. We will discuss our bilateral relations in detail. We will review possibilities and ways to bring our cooperation to a higher level. Our bilateral political relations are in perfect level. Our bilateral economic and commercial relations require improvement. We believe that much intense cooperation should be developed between Turkey and Pakistan. We will attribute importance to it.``
Noting that they would sign four agreements with Pakistan, which were Land Transportation, Cooperation in Environment Protection, Cooperation in Fight Against Smuggling of Illicit Drugs and Cooperation in Fight Against International Terrorism and Organized Crimes, Erdogan added that he believed his meetings would further strengthen relations between Turkey and Pakistan.

(MS) 12.06.2003