ANKARA - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated today that Turkey is a republic that has been a home for great civilizations for hundreds of years and that has brought together different beliefs and cultures by appealing to the peoples of three continents.
Erdogan indicated that Turkey intends to develop its experiences and make each and every part of Turkey compatible with current modern global standards. ''All of the economic problems, political turbulences and pessimism in Turkey will soon be over. We will do whatever (and I really mean every means) necessary to continue Turkey's effective and well planned economic, political and social progress. We will not accept nor tolerate any further negative influences on Turkey,'' remarked Erdogan. ''Surely, as Turkish citizens, we will spend every bit of our energy to contribute to regional and global peace,'' stressed Erdogan.
According to Erdogan, Turkey has the power to continue the trend of positive developments in its domestic and international affairs. ''We will definitely focus on establishing good relations with all peoples of the world as of this point,'' told Erdogan.
Erdogan commented that there could be no country that can influence and put pressure on rest of the world. ''Turkey will, and in fact certainly should, have more say in international topics,'' expressed Erdogan.
Erdogan further remarked that, when his administration came to power in 2002, Turkey looked much like any other ''third world country.'' ''Within the past three years, Turkey has made incredible political and economic reforms. Turks of Anatolia are no longer suppressed by outside forces and no longer are disregarded or disrespected by international experts in different lands,'' told Erdogan.
''We have implemented courageous reforms that have surprised both our friends and adversaries throughout the world. Politics in Turkey are now above international standards. Our parliament is now functioning very effectively and takes measures and decisions wisely,'' explained Erdogan.
''Turkey has once again risen to a level of being the center of global attention in a very short time. Our people's and global allies' continued support has made Turkey the center of international politics,'' stated Erdogan.
Erdogan noted that Turkey's present strategy is to establish and maintain peace at all costs in all parts of the world, regardless of location. ''Sending peace keeping troops to Bosnia-Herzegovina and Afghanistan are just the beginning of things to come. We are working in establishing peace keeping forces in every region of the world where Turkish assistance is required. We are and have always been a supporter of international peace. Turkey will no longer be isolated from influencing the outcome of sensitive issues globally. Turkey no longer will sit idly and watch things happen as a spectator. We are going to be a major player in both international politics and commercial relations,'' indicated Erdogan.
Erdogan further indicated that before this decade is over, Turkey will become a very major international player in the fields of security, politics, economics and cultural affairs. ''Turkey's dynamic young population and its existing brain power will very soon make Turkey an international star that will bring peace to all parts of the world in which we will live side by side with our brothers and sisters regardless of these individuals' backgrounds or identities,'' commented Erdogan.
Erdogan added that his administration has made some very important meetings with officials in Russia, Syria, Ukraine, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, Georgia, Iran, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Albania. ''We have excellent relations with all the peoples of these countries. We appreciate the good steps taken by the United Nations Secretary General Mr. Kofi Annan on Cyprus. Certainly, we will very firmly protect the independence of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) at any cost,'' indicated Erdogan.
''Turkey wants to co-exist peacefully with all of its neighbors, regardless of the neighbor's political system, religion or economic status. The same goes for other countries throughout the world. Turkey will carry peace to all points globally,'' mentioned Erdogan.
''We have welcomed very important dignitaries from various countries. Our guest delegations included the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus President Rauf Denktas, German Chancellor Schroder, EU Commission Chairman Prodi, United States President George Bush, EU Parliament speaker Borrell and Russian President Putin.''
According to Erdogan, as Turkey opens more and more to various cultures and societies globally, new opportunities also are arising. ''Our active, multi-dimensional approach to world politics will result in Turkey's further development as well as the development of distant lands in the world,'' remarked Erdogan.
In reference to Iraq, Erdogan stressed that all resources, and that includes oil, in Iraq should be controlled and utilized by the Iraqi people alone. ''There should not be any foreign force in Iraq that takes away precious resources from the Iraqi people. Furthermore, no single ethnic group should try to dominate politically any other ethnic group in Iraq. We are seeking for an Iraq in which all violence, whether purported by the 'insurgents' or the American forces, will end soon. We will contribute to the welfare and success of our brothers in Iraq. And, we are very frank about this without expecting anything in return. We, Turks, really wish for peace, peace and peace,'' stressed Erdogan.