Erdogan: Turkey Has Become One Of Most Influential And Distinguished Countries With Its Peace Policies

ANKARA - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who also acts as the leader of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) said on Tuesday, ``Turkey has become one of the most influential and distinguished countries of the world with its effective peace policies.``
Speaking at the parliamentary group meeting of the AK Party, Prime Minister Erdogan said, ``Turkey has become one of the most influential and distinguished countries of the world with its effective peace policies. Now, Turkey should increase its diplomatic influence and take place in final declarations.``
Recalling that he had attended the G-8 Summit in the United States last week, Prime Minister Erdogan said that many regional countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan were high on agenda of the summit.
``General elections will be held in Afghanistan in the coming months. According to our point of view, all segments of the society should be represented in the elections. We hope that Afghanistan will acquire democracy at last,`` he said.
Referring to the recent developments in Iraq, Prime Minister Erdogan said, ``bombings jolt Iraq each day. Bloodshed has still been continuing. A new interim government has come into power to prepare the country for elections. During the G-8 Summit, I explained Turkey`s possible logistic support to Iraq.``
(UK-AY) 15.06.2004