ANKARA - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan Tuesday called world countries to end isolation of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) so that TRNC would be able to progress among all the democratic countries in the world.
Erdogan replied to questions of reporters at Ankara's Esenboga Airport prior to his departure for the United States to attend G-8 summit.
Asked about Cyprus question, Erdogan said they would bring the issue onto agenda stressing that Turkey wanted isolation of TRNC to end.
When journalists reminded Erdogan the news reports that Turkey would take over command of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan in 2005, he said such an approval was out of question.
Replying to another question, Erdogan said point of view of Turkey toward Israeli-Palestinian problem was known by the countries participating in G-8 Summit. He said they would reiterate their views at the summit if necessary.
Erdogan said solution of Israeli-Palestinian problem was urgent, stating that another issue that should be solved was the Iraq problem.
A journalist said foreign news agencies reported that a simultaneous operation has been launched throughout Europe against radical Islam organizations and asked whether or not there was such an operation in Turkey, Erdogan said, ''we have not received such an information. We are always against extremism.''
Erdogan will attend G-8 Summit Meeting as a ''democratic partner'' on June 9 in Sea Island in the United States upon the invitation of U.S. President George Bush.
Participants will discuss how G-8 will support development of Middle East and northern Africa region in political, economic and social aspects and what will be the contributions of Turkey to this issue and also development of cooperation among G-8, the European Union (EU), Turkey and regional partners.
Erdogan will be the honorary guest of meetings which will be held by ''Academy of Achievement'' in Chicago between June 11 and 12. He will attend a luncheon which will be hosted by American-Turkish Council and meet with representatives of Turkish society.
(AY-AÖ) 08.06.2004