HURRIYET- Columnist Oktay Eksi writes on the debates concerning terrorism throughout the world. A summary Of his column is as follows:
In 1997, I couldn't manage to convince an official in the United States that a person could be defined as terrorist even though he, himself was not involved in a terrorist activity. Today, all countries, including the US are defending this view. Now, let alone being involved in a terrorist act, even standing close to a terrorist is considered to be a crime. An international agreement will come into force asking for an explanation from any person exchanging greetings with a terrorist. The Convention on Preventing Financing of Terrorism no longer considers the actions of persons or entities financing terrorist groups as 'political crimes'. Under the convention, money or properties collected by such groups can be frozen and seized by countries which have suffered harm. The issue of combatting terrorism has been debated on international platforms for over 30-40 years. Many agreements have been made on the subject within the framework of the United Nations. The European Union has passed many conventions and countries have promised to join in the fight to combat terrorism through bilateral or multilateral agreements. However, no action was taken until the US lived through the Sept. 11 tragedy. No one changed his mind from saying that 'one man's terrorist is another's freedom fighter.' For example, a hero for a Palestinian is a terrorist for an Israeli. The same applies to all others. When the murder network ASALA was killing Turkish diplomats, France protected the murderers until ASALA exploded a bomb at Orly Airport which led to the deaths of Frenchmen. Germany, Austria, Italy and Sweden were in competition as to who could better protect the PKK terrorists. However, Germany was champion by a wide margin. What is more dangerous than a terrorist is a country which protects terrorists. You cannot wage war against a state protecting terrorists. It is reported that Prime Minister Ecevit will effect passage of the International Convention in the Parliament before going to the US later this month Ecevit is correct in doing so, as Turkey has nothing to be ashamed of regarding these issues.

SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION