Turkey Will Fulfill Its Responsibilities: Erdogan

SAVANNAH - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday, ``Turkey will fulfill its responsibilities in efforts to provide peace in the region.``
Holding a press conference in Savannah after attending the G-8 Summit on Sea Island, the United States, Prime Minister Erdogan said, ``as you know, a `democratic aid dialogue` mechanism was formed under the structure of the G-8 for Middle Eastern and north African countries. Turkey as a `democratic partner`, Italy on behalf of G-8 and Yemen on behalf of regional countries became co-president of the mechanism. Details will become clear in the course of transition period.``
``The mechanism will support democracy, justice, supremacy of law and economic development in these countries. The era of poverty should come to an end in the region. Also, terrorism should be eradicated,`` he said.
Upon a question about NATO`s undertaking a role in Iraq, Prime Minister Erdogan said, ``the government and people in Iraq have some expectations. We have given priority the United Nations` humanitarian role in the region. Humanitarian aid depends on political and economic efforts.``
When asked, ``is Israel`s withdrawal plan among agenda items of the summit? Turkey criticized Israel`s recent operations. Does it affect relations between Turkey and Israel?``
Erdogan in reply said, ``I have earlier said. Our target at this point is not Israel. We really have positive relations with Israel and will continue so.``
``However,`` Erdogan noted although Israel was talking about evacuating Gaza, it still continued operations. ``We do not see any sincerity here,`` he stressed.
``If peace is to be restored and if we want to keep the region away from the bombs, then the helicopters should not kill people,`` Erdogan said, stating that everything should take place in peace. He said Turkey would fulfill its responsibilities.
Erdogan said Jewish citizens living in Turkey knew the attitude of Turkey well, and that their living conditions in Turkey were good.
A journalist said, ``the U.S. is openly supporting Israel`` and asked to what extend this will bring success with respect to the peace initiative in the Middle East,`` Erdogan said there was a decision taken by the UN Security Council when the recent development toward Israel was considered, and stated that reluctant attitude of the United States changed all the policy.
Erdogan said particularly the United States should show its sensitivities because it should display sensitivity for the solution of problem between Israel and Palestine. ``We discussed the issue with Jewish Lobby in the United States. This interests all the Jews in the world. We are against anti-Semitism,`` he noted.
Asked about UN Security Council`s resolution on Iraq, Erdogan said, ``we think interim government in Iraq should be given a chance to have self confidence. This support should be given to them. We hope Iraq will integrate with its own people soon and take steps for transition into democracy. Iraq should get rid of terrorism.``
ERDOGAN: ``PRESIDENT BUSH SAID THAT TURKEY HAS DONE EVERYTHING IN ITS POWER ABOUT CYPRUS ISSUE``
Erdogan said, ``the Cyprus issue was brought onto agenda during our meeting with U.S. President Bush. President Bush told us that Turkey had done everything in its power about the Cyprus issue. President Bush added that the United States would continue supporting Turkey.``
(UK-AY-AÖ) 10.06.2004