Gul: Terrorism Is Globalizing And Murdering Innocent People Without Making Regional, Religious And Racial Discrimination

MOSCOW - Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Thursday that terrorism globalize and murdered innocent people without making a discrimination of religion, region and race.
On the last day of his three-day visit to Moscow, Gul addressed Russian Foreign Ministry Diplomatic Academy.
Gul said the world was face to face with asymmetric threats in the new period, stating that, ''terrorism is one of those threats. Terrorism globalizes and murders innocent people without making a discrimination of religion, region and race. Strong international solidarity is needed in fight against terrorism.''
Gul said Turkey considered overcoming problems with neighbors as primary target, and noted that, ''our relations with Greece and Bulgaria have reached a level which could not be imagined in the previous years. Negotiations aiming to find a peaceful solution to Cyprus question started last week with the initiative of the Turkish side. Our relations with Iran are improving. Recently, a new page has been opened in relations with Syria. Our relations continue increasingly with Azerbaijan and Georgia.''
Stating that Turkey has regular contacts with Armenia, Gul said, ''we expect Armenian government to take a step to find a peaceful solution to Upper Karabakh problem within Azerbaijan's territorial integrity.''
Gul said the Middle East has always been an important civilization center with its humanitarian riches, culture and geography, and noted that, ''however, today the region is fighting against with serious political, military, economic and social problems. Solution of those problems are important not only for the region but also for peace, stability and welfare in the world. Finding a solution to Arab-Israeli dispute is an urgent need. Difficulties of Palestinian people and violence in the region should end. Such a solution will be an important element for settlement of feeling of justice in the world and overcoming of confidence problem.''
Pointing out that Russia was among the main economic partners of Turkey, and that Turkey was one of the chief buyers of Russian natural gas, Gul said Turkish entrepreneurs and contractors have successful projects in this country.
Gul said economic growth of Russia would be positively reflected in Turkish economy.
(AY) 26.02.2004