ANKARA - "We have not received enough support from EU member countries when dealing with terrorism" complained Turkey-EU Joint Parliamentary Commission (JPC) co-chairman Yasar Yakis on Thursday.
The 3rd session of the 58th meeting of Turkey-EU Joint Parliamentary Commission (JPC) convened under the aegis of co-chairmen Yakis and Joost Lagendijk.
Yakis, who made a keynote speech at the meeting, stated that Turkey respects Iraq's territorial integrity.
Indicating that terrorist organization that nested in north of Iraq was tolerated, Yakis said, "the United States does not allocate troops to fight against terrorism claiming that it is unable to do so. On the other hand, Turkey has not relinquished its right to self defense. The motion authorizing the government to send troops across border is still on the table. A cross-border operation will not be launched before all diplomatic ways are exhausted. Terrorist PKK organization collect money and make propaganda in European capitals. Some of those who are wanted with red-bulletin are arrested, and some are sent to Iraq."
On the other hand Republican People's Party (CHP) MP Sukru Elekdag said 1915 incidents damaged Turkish-Armenian relations, noting that European Parliament should advocate proposal of Turkey to establish a joint commission of historians to study the problem. "If Turkey's good-will is not responded affirmatively, borders will not be opened," he said.
On the other hand, Turkish-EU JPC co-chairman Lagendijk said there was no suggestion apart from full membership (of Turkey).
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) MP Gunduz Aktan, who also spoke at the meeting, underscored that Turkey has the legal right to intervene to protect its citizens against terrorist organizations.
Noting that all diplomatic ways were tried but no result could be obtained, Aktan said, "Turkey may launch a cross- border operation at any time. A political solution is not possible in PKK case. Please don't suggest this. Only personal and cultural rights can be granted. Apart from this, no political right can be granted."
CHP MP Algan Hacaloglu indicated that acts of terrorism escalated against Turkey after U.S. intervention in Iraq. "It is our right to expect support from the European friends to combat against terrorism. The United States condones activities of PKK. Turkey can not remain idle in the face of fragmentation of Iraq."
Another CHP MP Onur Oymen said failure to establish a nation state was the biggest problem in Iraq, and noted "If Iraq is divided, it will become a Palestine."
He also said Kirkuk was a bomb ready to explode.
Justice & Development (AK) Party MP Cuneyt Yuksel said, "fight against terrorism is full of traps. A fight is underway not only with military dimension but also with economic and social dimensions, as well. The government pursues a policy based on diplomatic negotiations in combatting terrorism."
Greek Cypriot Liberal MP Marios Matsakis said the EU member countries were against terrorism, and underlined that, ROJ tv was very closely monitored to prevent it from aiding and abetting terrorism. "I assure you that ROJ tv will be shut down if it assists the terrorist organization for sure," he said.