NEW YORK - Turkish government plans to invest up to 12 billion USD in Southeast Anatolia Region to create job opportunities and keep youths away from illegal actions, the New York Times quoted Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan as saying.
In an interview with the New York Times, Erdogan said his government would also dedicate a state television channel to broadcasting in Kurdish language. The new television channel will also include Persian and Arabic and will be running within several months, Erdogan stated. "This will be the most important step providing cultural rights to the region," he said.
The daily quoted Erdogan as saying that Turkey will spend 11 billion to 12 billion USD over a five-year period to build two large dams and a system of water canals, complete paved roads and remove landmines from fields along the Syrian border.
Erdogan told, "the fight against terrorism is not only this (military measures). It also has a socioeconomic part, a psychological part, a cultural part."
The U.S. administration backed Turkish Armed Forces` (TSK) cross-border operation, he stated. "Turkey is not a guest in the region. We are the most important door for the north of Iraq to open up to the world. We are the healthiest door," he said.
In regard to Turkey`s EU accession process, Erdogan said there is no stalling or slowing down.
A social security law required to meet European standards will be submitted to the parliament in the next two to three weeks, he said, and a long-awaited revision of a law that limits freedom of speech is nearly ready. At every weekly cabinet meeting, one of the topics is Turkey`s European bid, and each ministry is working on it.
"There is no alternative for us other than full membership," Erdogan added.
(EÖ)