Erdogan Says Presidential Election Is Not On Turkey's Agenda

NEW YORK (AA) - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that presidential election was not on the agenda of Turkey.
After speaking at the Foreign Policy Association in New York on ''Turkish Foreign Policy and Relations with the United States: Shared Visions and Partnership of Capabilities Strengthening Each Other'' Erdogan replied to questions of participants.
Answering a question on opportunities of investment in Turkey, Erdogan noted, ''foreign investors do not pay taxes for five years. There is a 50 percent reduction in energy expenses by them. It is possible for them to export goods from Turkey to the Middle East, Caucasia, Europe, Far East and Balkans. Foreign businessmen should not miss this important chance in Turkey.''
Replying to a question on the privileged partnership alternative for Turkey, Erdogan said, ''there is no privileged partnership between EU member countries. There is either partnership or there is nothing. Ms. Merkel thinks that there cannot be a partnership (for Turkey), but I think that she will have different view on this issue after the election. Friendly relations will be further developed. I believe that she will support Turkey's (EU accession) process.''
Erdogan underlined that they focused only on the issue that Turkey would carry out negotiation process and fulfill all criteria successfully.
When asked whether he planned to become the President of Turkey in 2007, Erdogan stated, ''we don't have such an issue now on our agenda. We are mostly interested in the success of the Republic of Turkey.''
Asked whether he had concerns over Iraqi President Jalal Talabani's statement on protection of Shiite and Kurdish militias, Erdogan stated, ''we don't know whether Mr. Talabani used such an expression or not. I think that a person who is the head of a transitional government cannot use such an expression. I think there is a mistake.''
Upon a question on Turkey's EU membership, Erdogan said, ''on December 17th (2004), 25 EU member countries decided that negotiations should start (with Turkey). Therefore, there is not any problem about start of entry talks with the EU. Turkey was accepted as the member of the Customs Union in 1996. Turkey's candidacy was approved at Helsinki Summit in 1999. Its legal ground was formed at the Nice Summit in 2000. They said at the Copenhagen Summit 2002 that if Turkey fulfills the Copenhagen criteria, it will start membership negotiations as soon as possible. Turkish ruling and opposition parties worked day and night and fulfilled whatever is required.''
Replying to a question on his meetings in Washington, D.C., Erdogan indicated, ''Mr. President (U.S. President George W. Bush) and I held a press conference. In this press conference, it was underlined clearly that strategic partnership and relations continue (between Turkey and the United States).''
Recalling that he also held meetings on Cyprus issue in Washington D.C., Erdogan stated, ''a group from the (U.S.) Congress visited the north of Cyprus recently. We want flights between Ercan Airport and Washington D.C. to start. They welcomed this issue.''
Erdogan noted that they also discussed Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Afghanistan during his talks in Washington D.C., stating, ''there is no disagreement on these issues generally. On the other hand, there can be different views and approaches. The important thing is to put forth issues clearly. We are pleased with our talks in Washington D.C. The two countries maintain strategic relations and strategic partnership. We know what our common interests are. We are moving toward the future in line of these common interests.''

2005-06-10