Erdogan: Iraq Has Become An Arena Of Terrorism

DAVOS (AA) - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated that Iraq has become an arena of terrorism. ''Apparently, terrorism will not cease in Iraq after the elections.''
     In a press conference organized at the Davos' Rinaldi Hotel, Erdogan answered questions from journalists.
     In response to a question on when a protocol would be signed under the Ankara Agreement and what he thought of a possible new peace process in Cyprus, Erdogan said that his government is working on the Ankara Agreement from the perspective of international laws.
     ''Once our work becomes mature, we will develop our ties with the EU Commission. We do not want to prolong the process,'' remarked Erdogan.
     Asked if Ukraine was a rival of Turkey on its road to EU membership, Erdogan replied that Turkey is not in an effort to create any rival. ''The EU has 25 members who are the centers of decision. The EU has not stopped its enlargement,'' told Erdogan.
     Erdogan added that Turkey has fulfilled its responsibilities under the Copenhagen political criteria. ''The negotiation process will end as soon as possible with the decision of our friends.''
     In response to a question on what Turkey's attitude would be in case of a U.S. attack on Iran, Erdogan answered that it would be wrong to make any evaluation on any point not conveyed diplomatically. ''Iran has said that it is intending to utilize nuclear energy for humanitarian purposes. Iran will work closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency,'' stressed Erdogan.
     Reminded by a journalist that the U.S. had not left the option of using military attack on Iran and asked what he thought about this reality, Erdogan responded that a similar scenario has been witnessed in Iraq. ''What took place in Iraq has shown us lessons. As regional countries, we have an obligation to be more sensitive on the steps taken. Turkey is in favor of the globalization of peace. We will continue to do whatever is necessary to reach this goal,'' expressed Erdogan.
     Asked about what he thought on Turkey-U.S. relations, Erdogan stressed that there are no problems with the U.S.
     In a separate question asking if Turkey would permit the use of its bases in a possible attack on Iran by American forces, Erdogan said that it is too early to comment on this issue. ''A decision will take place whenever necessary. There could be no decision made with pre-conceived notions.''
     Finally, in response to a question on whether the Turkish parliament's decision pertaining to not sending troops to Iraq was right or wrong, Erdogan explained that his party is a party of principles. ''Our principles do not change according to persons. If we believe that something is unfair, we would stand against it. We can never tolerate assisting what is unfair. I want to express our sensitivity on this topic. We will never stand by cruelty, not now not never.''
     (ES-MS)
2005-01-27