Coskun In Rome: Bomb Attacks Are Not Only Directed Against Turkey, But Also Against Humanity, Democracy And Basic Values

ANKARA/ROMA - Industry and Trade Minister Ali Coskun said on Friday that the bomb attacks were not only directed against Turkey, but they were also directed against humanity, democracy and basic values defended by all countries.
Coskun who is currently in Rome for the EU member and candidate countries' unofficial ministers meeting on consumer policy, said in the meeting that Turkey was the victim of a crime against humanity in which 50 persons died in one week.
''We must keep in mind that all countries are the potential target of such violence,'' said Coskun.
Coskun noted that international terrorism used basic rights and freedoms ensured by the free and democratic world in its attacks against the latter, adding that ''one must not forget the fact that Turkey which is always committed to defend the values of the west, which is the only Muslim democracy model of Europe and the world with its rooted secular system, constitutes a symbol for such kind of ideologies. In that respect, our European partners must be in full solidarity with us. Because we must show the world that international terrorism will be defeated not only with national opportunities, but by international alliance and cooperation.''
Coskun said that Turkey was left alone in its fight with terrorism, adding that Turkey was powerful enough to fight with it.
(ÖŞ-AÖ) 21.11.2003