LONDON - Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said, ''Turkey will not change its direction because of recent terrorist attacks. Turkey is and will be a democratic, secular and social state.''
In an interview with David Frost from the British Broadcasting Corp (BBC) Prime Minister Erdogan said, ''terrorism has recently gained an international dimension. Therefore, we are obliged to co-operate in our fight against terrorism. Latest attacks in Istanbul have international connections. Unfortunately, four Turkish citizens were used as hitmen in these attacks. Acting from this point, our security forces have begun investigating the essential character of the international connection in these series of attacks. However, we need exchange of intelligence to unveil this connection. Terrorism has a global structure. And, a global fight is required against it. We all should come together for peace in the world. Terrorism does not have religion, language and nationality. Therefore, we can eliminate it only with a joint fight. We are determined to eradicate terrorism.''
When asked whether the connection of al-Qaida terrorism network in the attacks were completely proved, Prime Minister Erdogan said, ''no. We do not have certain evidences. But, it is clear that these attacks were carried out with religious feelings. Yet, we do not know whether al-Qaida or another terrorist organization staged the attacks.''
Upon a question about his recommendations to British citizens planning to visit Turkey for business or tourism purposes, Prime Minister Erdogan said, ''this is a point of great importance. The joint fight against terrorism starts at this very point. The humanity has been the target of terrorism throughout the history. We have never thought about preventing our citizens from visiting the United States following the September 11th events. Britain can send its citizens to Turkey without any concerns. As Turkey, we are very sensitive about protecting our foreign guests. If we are engulfed in such concerns, we cannot leave our homes. But, the life has been continuing. We should maintain our struggle for freedom without taking a step back.''
When asked whether these attacks could change Turkey's friendly relations with the United States and Britain and its understanding of secularism, Prime Minister Erdogan stressed, ''never. The Republic of Turkey is a democratic, secular and social state. We will never give up our struggle. Also, we should well-assess the cause-and-effect relationship of terrorism. Some developments in Iraq have prepared the ground for these attacks. Turkey's being chosen as target of these attacks is meaningful. At this point, significance of Turkey's becoming a member of the EU has increased. Turkey should enter the EU as soon as possible since it is the most important and only model for co-existence of the Islam and democracy.''
(UK) 23.11.2003