WASHINGTON - Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ugur Ziyal said on Wednesday that terrorism was not a good thing, adding that Turkey knew how to fight against terrorism.
U.S. Undersecretary of State Department for Economic, Business and Agricultural Affairs Alan Larson and Ziyal held a joint press conference after Turkey-U.S. Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting.
Ziyal touched on terrorist attacks in Istanbul and said, ''of course, terrorism is not a good thing. But, terrorism does not make Turkey a war field. Terrorism can be everywhere. Turkey knows how to fight against terrorism. I recommend you to look at the answer of markets.''
Ziyal expressed the pleasure of Turkey about U.S. support for Turkey's economic program. He said that Turkey could meet rapidly and cheaply the needs of Iraq during reconstruction activities and added that Iraq's success was important for Turkey.
Upon a question whether there could be a danger in Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline due to developments in Georgia and the tension between Georgia and Ajaria, Ziyal said, ''everybody, including the new administration in Georgia, attributes very much importance to the pipeline. As far as I know, the pipeline does not pass over Ajaria. Georgia's territorial integrity and stability is very significant for us. Our relations with Georgia was good during the period of Shevardnadze and we hope they will be good as well with the new government. We have good and sound relations and mutual interests are in question. Pipeline project will continue and it will be completed on time.''
When noted that American firms had some problems in investment in Turkey, Ziyal accepted the existence of these problems and said that the situation in Turkey was getting better and a more transparent milieu was created. He added that Turkey wanted to make progress by discussing what could be done with American firms.
Ziyal said, ''we are pleased with efforts of the United States for making foreign investment in Turkey. But, we should also say that Turkey's performance is below its potential. This should change. Confidence, transparency and continuation should be provided and we should provide the necessary atmosphere. This was the most important issue we have discussed.''
Upon a question, Ziyal said that textile quotas issue was continuously discussed, but they could not make an important progress.
Upon the interpretation of a reporter that the issue of sending soldiers to Iraq became a failure between Turkey and the United States, Ziyal said that they should not bring together the issue of soldiers with trade. He added, ''today, Turkish soldiers are not in Iraq, but there are Turkish businessmen. Although there are some Iraqis who are against Turkish soldiers, nobody is against Turkish businessmen. Turkish economic activities will further increase in Iraq. We have businessmen who are searching for activities in north, center and even in south of Iraq. You will see more Turkish economic activities when security is provided better.''
(GC-AÖ) 03.12.2003