ANKARA - Some external approaches that could be perceived as impositions could have a negative impact on Middle Eastern nations, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday.
Addressing a gathering of his Justice and Development Party (AK Party), Erdogan said that Turkey supported democratization and welfare strategies in the geography it was situated with certain main principles.
Erdogan said that he would attend the summit of the Group of the Eight (G-8) in the United States under the title of ''democratic partner'' and noted that Turkey continued to contribute to serious developments in its region and the world.
He would have the opportunity to explain Turkey's views about Middle Eastern and African projects in the meeting, Erdogan noted.
Erdogan said that changes in countries could not be imposed by other countries and conditions and characteristics of every country should be taken into consideration.
Stressing that peace and well-being of regional nations were of importance for Turkey, Erdogan said that Turkey thought that peace of those people could be ensured by reforms, taking into consideration internal dynamics.
Erdogan said, ''we know that every project for a change ignoring internal dynamics is obliged to remain a virtual project. And, we express this view of ourselves in every occasion.''
Turkey supported contributions of developed countries to reform efforts of regional countries, making use of their own internal dynamics, Erdogan stated.
Erdogan said that the Middle East was experiencing great agonies and sorrow those days, but the world was not taking effective steps to ease that sorrow.
Calling on everybody to take more effective steps, Erdogan said, ''in this context, violence policies of Israel are unacceptable. Initiatives of neither Israel nor Palestine risking lives of innocent people can be considered legitimate. We will reject every move risking lives of innocent people, irrespective of who makes it. Violence between Israel and some groups in Palestine is increasing each passing day. Violence and counter-violence policies of Israel and Palestine which kills innocent and civilian people should be stopped.''
Pointing to developments in Iraq, Erdogan said, ''situation can't be normalized in Iraq and there is need for putting forward a brighter road map for well-being of Iraqi people. These negative developments increase reactions in the Middle East and North Africa. If some circles want to present a real democratic perspective and reform strategy to the Middle East and North Africa, steps aiming to end violence policies in Israeli-Palestinian dispute and to normalize the situation in Iraq should be rapidly and permanently taken.''
Erdogan drew attention that the process named as Greater Middle East Initiative could be meaningful in case progress was recorded in solution of regional problems particularly Arab-Israel dispute.
Otherwise, Erdogan said, this process would be obliged to remain on the table.
Erdogan noted, ''this atmosphere increases Turkey's responsibilities. We continue our efforts, being aware of our responsibility.''
Turkey, a guarantee of peace, security and democracy in its region, would contribute to all international initiatives aiming to better the conditions in the region, Erdogan said.
Erdogan added that Turkey would exert efforts to contribute to policies serving that aim.
Earlier in the day, Turkey summoned its Ambassador to Israel Feridun Sinirlioglu and Consul General in Jerusalem Huseyin Avni Bicakli to hold consultations.
Sinirlioglu and Bicakli are expected to return to the region in a short time.
Turkey earlier reacted harshly against Israeli attacks on Rafah refugee camp.
(BRC-AÖ) 08.06.2004