ATHENS - "We do expect the U.S. and Iraq to take firm steps against the terrorist organization PKK," Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul told an interview with the Greek daily Kathimerini.
"Turkey has expectations from its ally, the United States, and the central Iraqi government on the fight against PKK terrorism, an issue of utmost priority for my government," Gul said.
Gul recalled remarks made by senior U.S. officials, including President George W. Bush, that they were willing to extend every kind of support to end PKK's terrorist activities.
"This attitude created an expectation on the part of the Turkish people and we have established a joint mechanism to tackle with the problem. However, certain steps have failed to be taken against PKK's terrorist activities reaching outside its camps in north of Iraq. We want to see decisive action from both the U.S. and the Iraqi government," Gul added.
When asked whether Turkey would launch a cross border operation into north of Iraq to fight against PKK, Gul said that his government was determined to take any measure necessary to eliminate terrorist threat posed from within the region.
"Turkey firmly supports Iraq's territorial integrity and political unity but terrorists keep infiltrating into Turkey across the border with Iraq and stage attacks on innocent civilians and security forces. They are planting remote-control explosives similar to those used inside Iraq. As in any country in the world, it is our basic responsibility and undisputable right to protect our people and our country from terrorism and terrorists," Gul noted.
-EUROPEAN UNION PERSPECTIVE-
Touching on Turkey's European Union accession bid, Gul said that certain member countries misunderstood the issue of Turkey's membership.
"The political elite in these countries are those who are responsible for European fears about Turkey's membership. However, Turkey's role and its moderate identity are important values on which the EU should not turn a blind eye; especially at a time when the world faced a division threat along religious and cultural lines," Gul said.
-TURKISH-GREEK RELATIONS-
"Turkey is decisive to maintain the positive atmosphere established recently in Turkish-Greek relations," Gul said, indicating that Turkey expected Greece to extend an open support to its EU bid.
"Turkey welcomes the statement of Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis that Turkey should be a full member of the EU," Gul said.
Gul underscored that Turkey and Greece have concerns and vital interests regarding their national sovereignties and security in the Aegan. He added mutual understanding and respect to sensitivities of the parties are important elements in establishment of a constructive atmosphere between the two countries.
"We are pleased over the rapprochement and progress prevailing in actual relations through dialogue. We are aware that friendly relations between Turkey and Greece based on reciprocal respect and security, have vital importance for the two countries, but at the same time to boost peace, security and stability in Southeastern Europe region," Gul emphasized.
Gul also said improving personal relations between the Turkish and Greek politicians contributed to bilateral relations.
-ISTANBUL FENER GREEK ORTHODOX PATRIACHATE-
Replying to a question that Istanbul Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarch was qualified as "ecumenic", Gul said Turkey's stance over the issue was within the framework of Lausanne Treaty.
Gul said the Patriarch was allowed to stay in Turkey to give religious and spiritual service to Orthodox Turkish citizens in Istanbul, indicating that, "in other sense, granting 'ecumenic' title to Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarch contradicts Lausanne Treaty. Also, the Patriarch carries out his religious activities without meeting any impediment."
Asked about Heybeliada Seminary, Gul said the government launched activities to re-activate the school.
Gul said activities of Heybeliada Seminary was stopped in 1971 within the scope of a decision of the Constitutional Court including all upper schools, and noted that this was not an implementation targeting this school.
"Turkey is determined to present every kind of rights and freedoms to all its citizens within democratic principles whatever their religion and ethnic roots are," Gul said.
-CYPRUS-
Commenting on Cyprus issue, Gul said Turkey always advocated endeavors of the Turkish Cypriots to reach a solution through the U.N., "however, the Greek Cypriot party assumed an intransigent stance on the matter," he added.
-GENERAL ELECTIONS-
Responding to questions about general election in Turkey, Gul said Justice & Development (AK) Party recorded great success in the past 4 years, noting that he believed the Turkish nation would appreciate this.
Turkish FM said Turkey grew 35 percent in the past 4 years and there was a great rise in its foreign trade, tourism revenues, and foreign investments.
"We have realized many reforms in economy as well as in policy and are determined to continue," Gul remarked.