The "one-man foreign policy" started this week by Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc has been rejected by the Foreign Ministry. Arinc's unexpected statement, “Should the Greeks expand their territorial waters to 12 miles it would be accepted as a 'Cassus Belli' by Parliament [a reason for declaring war]," created shockwaves. Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said on Friday that Turkey's Aegean politics had not changed.
Gul added, “Turkey's policy on the Aegean problems remains the same and there have been no changes at all. Our wish is to solve every problem with the Greeks through talks. This is what we aimed to do, and we're still doing so.”
Gul said that discussions with the Greeks to solve the Aegean issues are still underway. “Both countries are making an effort to solve these problems.” He added that Arinc's statement should be taken in this context. “We're trying to establish this region as a symbol of peace, stability and cooperation.”
Asked if the discussions have reached a positive stage, he replied that a great number of discussions have taken place, and that both sides are working hard to find solutions. “Undoubtedly big issues won't be solved easily. It's beneficial to both countries to reach an agreement and we're heading in that direction.”
He was also asked if during Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molivyatis' visit to Ankara he expected new openings but answered, “No. These are different issues. But, of course, Molivyatis' visit will strengthen our friendship.”
No step backwards from Arinc
Arinc held firm on his remarks to members of the press in Ankara on Thursday. Asked if he had discussed them with the foreign minister he replied, “There's nothing I have to feel uncomfortable about. The important thing is to become successful in diplomacy, and to view options and explanations if necessary. Besides, I'm in constant contact with the foreign minister. Parliamentarians can't implement foreign politics by themselves.”
He said that he had asked for the "Cassus Belli" to be removed to be able to establish a Turkish Friendship Group in the Greek parliament and to improve relations between the two countries. He also said that in the Turkish Parliament there's a Greek Friendship Group, chaired by Mustafa Dundar, Bursa deputy of the ruling Justice and development (AK) Party, but that the Greek Parliament is opposed to Turkish Friendship Group in their Parliament.
He went on to say that the briefing had been prepared with the involvement of all political parties was made according to the conditions of that time. “It was a reaction to the demand by Greece to expand its territorial waters to 12 miles. That decision was a friendly warning but Greece was troubled by it.”
He continued that he's aiming to protect Turkey's interests the same as anybody else. “In 1995, to protect national interests, a declaration was necessary. I respect that decision because it was a decision made by our Parliament. But, of course, we need to strengthen relations with Greeks. They also need this. If we're going to discuss a declaration that wasn't officially accepted but only applauded at a parliamentary session, we have to consider what it will contribute or take away. To resolve the situation I made that statement informally.”
“On the subject, if Parliament and the Foreign Ministry have anything to do with it, they will resolve it through discussions. Since diplomatic channels are open, if action is to be taken, it would be a good idea to discuss it.”
CHP's Batu supports Arinc
Inan Batu, former diplomat and CHP Hatay deputy, said that the "Cassus Belli" was a decision taken in 1995 when relations between the two countries were tense. Batu, in a statement to the TNA said that, according to the UN Constitution, there are steps that need to be taken before war can be declared. “Now, the situation has changed and things are more peaceful. Greece didn't insist on going to the International Court of Justice [in The Hague] to solve the Aegean problems. Even if we haven't found a solution, talks are ongoing. Parliament, however, will have the last word on the subject.”
Heavy reaction from Agar
True Path (DYP) Chairman Mehmet Agar was surprised by Arinc's statement and said, "Arinc's unfortunate statement shows the government's weakness and efforts being made that weakness to the Parliament.”
In a written statement he asked Arinc to explain if he made the statement speaking for the Parliament or the government. he went on, "Or the Parliament Speaker is trying to put the government under pressure. We don't really understand.
Agar said that government is under pressure to accept Greek demands, such as the Cyprus issue. “The government had Arinc say whatever they couldn't say officially, and brought the issue to public attention.”
He continued, “We can't understand why there's a need to reach such a decision today, as opposed to yesterday. Has the government received a guarantee for European membership which means that now that have declare the Aegean international waters? Have the Greeks decided to discuss solutions to Aegean problems in secret talks with the government? As far as we know, there have been no changes.”