State Minister Tuzmen Says There Is Difference Between First Motion And The Second One Regarding Sending Soldiers To Iraq

ANKARA - State Minister Kursat Tuzmen said on Friday while evaluating sending soldiers to Iraq that ''there is difference between the first and second motion. We should not evaluate the two in the same atmosphere, and we should look at the future.''
Responding to questions of A.A correspondent about the issue, Tuzmen said he believed that Turkey would give the most correct decision in line with its national interests.
Noting that Turkey made analysis about the issue by taking the views of all public institutions and non-governmental organizations, Tuzmen said that ''a healthy decision will be given in the end.''
Tuzmen pointed out that Turkey did its best to ensure the stability in the region, adding that ''we don't want any bloodshed not only in Iraq, but also in Palestine and Israel. We don't want any casualties among American people and Iraqi people.''
Tuzmen stated that installation of stability in Iraq was very important in respect of improvement of the trade in Turkey and in the region, adding that ''the only magical formula in this region is to increase the dependency of countries on each other by trade and reciprocal investment. By making these countries the center of commerce, lasting peace will be installed. The problem of the region is low income per capita and poverty. The only magical formula to overcome the poverty is trade.''
Tuzmen said that Turkish businessmen were still focused on the issue as to whether a motion on sending soldiers to Iraq would be adopted or not, adding that almost one thousand businessmen continued to go to Iraq and tried to increase the exports of Turkey in that unstable atmosphere.
''Turkish exporters served Iraqi people at the moment,'' said Tuzmen, adding that ''we did it also in the past. Our exporters should not worry. Turkey is an integrity with its public institutions, politics and businessmen. Whatever is needed in respect of national interests, it will be done... We support territorial integrity of Iraq. We want Iraq's sources to be used by the Iraqi people, and we want a stable Iraq,'' said Tuzmen.
Tuzmen said that Turkey exported goods worth of 300 million dollars to Iraq in the last two months, adding that ''strong commercial relations will also bring political solutions.''
(Öª-AÖ) 22.08.2003