ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkey is ready to contribute to fight against terrorism, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday.
Teleconferencing at the International Democracy & Global Security Conference held in Turkish metropolis of Istanbul, Erdogan, who is currently in the United States, stressed that all countries should consider fight against terrorism as their common cause.
Erdogan expressed belief that cooperation in fight against terrorism and settlement of global security would be further improved, and new partnerships would be established after this conference.
TURKEY IS A MODEL COUNTRY THAT CAN ACT AS A BRIDGE
PM Erdogan said that there were regional conflicts around the world, and emphasized that Turkey was situated in one of the most important strategic intersection points in the world.
''Turkey is a model country that can undertake the role of a bridge,'' stressed Erdogan.
TERRORISM SHOULD BE COUNTERED
Erdogan said that he wanted peace in the world, and stated that he would exert efforts to heal the wounds around the world.
''Terrorism is the problem of not only Turkey, but also the entire world. All countries should consider fight against terrorism as their common cause. And, we are ready to contribute to it. Turkey is against war today. Kemal Ataturk, the founder of Republic of Turkey, said, 'peace at home, peace in the world'. This is still valid for us,'' said Erdogan.
Erdogan added, ''as Turkey, we are very sensitive towards terrorism because we have paid high costs. Terrorism in 1990s killed our 40,000 people. Not only our citizens, but also foreigners and foreign mission chiefs were killed by the terrorist attacks staged on November 15th and 20th (2003). Terrorism should be countered. Who, when, where, why and how terrorism will hit is not known. So, an international platform should be formed to fight against it.''
2005-06-09