Ecevit At National Press Club

WASHINGTON D.C., Jan 17 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Thursday that he had said during his meetings with U.S. President George W. Bush and other high-ranking administration officials how important the cooperation and partnership between Turkey and United States were, adding, ''this was the message I brought from Turkey and I am glad to say that it is the same message that I will be taking back from the United States.''
Within framework his visit to the United States, Prime Minister Ecevit spoke at the National Press Club on Turkish foreign policy and answered their questions.
Noting that a new fault line was likely to emerge between those states that pay only lip service to combating terrorism while using it as a tool or showing sympathy to certain kinds of terrorism and those that make a genuine effort to kill this disease, Ecevit said that Turkey in its recent past had had to cope with several different types of terrorism with foreign connections.
''If we hope to deal a decisive blow to this menace, it is absolutely necessary to end double standards. Differentiating between terrorist acts on whatever basis and for whatever reason is unacceptable. Even after September 11 we are detecting a troubling reluctance on the part of certain countries in going after known terrorist groups or even designating them as such. For its part, Turkey is determined to fight this scourge until it is completely rooted out, by clamping down on terrorist cells wherever they may be, drying up their finances, cutting their logistical support and making terrorist recruiting increasingly more difficult,'' he said.
''September 11 has placed a new responsibility on the shoulders of the United States: the leadership of the global combat against terrorism. But the United States is far from being alone in this just struggle. As a reliable ally, a time-tested friend and a strategic partner, Turkey, for one, will continue to lend a strong support to the U.S. efforts to eradicate terrorism. And I am glad to say that in our own struggle against terrorism, we have received the greatest support and solidarity from the United States,'' Ecevit said.
''The democratic societies, while preserving individual liberties, must be vigilant against those groups that exploit the existing freedoms in order to provide money, supplies or new recruits to terrorists. We also need to work on closing any loopholes that may exist in national and international law. Turkey has already signed and ratified all the existing international conventions on specific terrorist offenses. We call on any country that has not yet done so to do the same,'' the Prime Minister stated.
''The case of Afghanistan provides a sad example of what tragedies can befall a country it had the misfortune to be run by an extremist group. The Taliban, apart from providing shelter to Osama Bin Ladin's terrorists Al Qaeda network, also attempted to stop and reverse the forward flow of time in. In the name of bringing order, they dispensed with the whole concept of human rights and descended upon the Afghan people like a nightmare. They treated women as if they were not human beings and destroyed the cultural heritage of the country,'' Ecevit said.
''Now that the Taliban has ceased to exist, it is time for the international community to start pouring generous reconstruction assistance to the Afghan people. Afghanistan is a very important country. Rebuilding of Afghanistan is very important. Our ties with Afghanistan go way back in time, to the formative years of both states. Therefore, Turkey can and will play a constructive role in consolidating the process of peace and nation-building in Afghanistan. Besides taking part in all major international assistance programs for Afghanistan, we also provide substantial bilateral ais in areas such as health care, education and rehabilitation of displaced persons. Furthermore, Turkish troops will soon join the international security assistance force that just became activated. Turkey will also be helping with the creation of a national Afghan army and police force. The fight against terrorism and drive to rebuild Afghanistan are just two of the many international issues in which Turkey has been showing a high profile,'' he said.
Defining dissolution of the Soviet union and the emergence of newly independent states in Central Asia were positive developments after the Cold War, Ecevit said that that Turkey, along with every country, benefited from those changes.
Stressing that Turkey had quickly found itself surrounded by new forms of threats, conflicts and instability in different directions, Ecevit said, ''I am sure you are all familiar with out tough neighborhood, which we witnessed the Iran-Iraq War, the Gulf War, the bloody conflicts in Bosnia, Kosovo and the Caucasus as well as the latest spate of violence between the Palestinians and the Israelis. No other country in the world has ever been exposed to so many conflicts at the same time and had to endure their side-effects. In such a volatile and explosive environment, we fell one of Turkey's principal functions is to promote peace and stability in its region and beyond.''
''Here, Turkey can be a very important factor for economic cooperation. In terms of its existing industrial infrastructure, geographical location, liberal economic regime and young and well-trained workforce, Turkey is ideally placed to serve as the engine of regional economic growth. Despite our temporary economic difficulties, Turkish economy is set to resume high growth rates before long and has an even greater potential for the future. This is why Turkey was designated one of the ten big emerging markets and invited to join the G-20 Group. This is also the reason why more and more foreign companies are choosing Turkey as their regional production center,'' he said.
Noting that an additional asset was Turkey's growing role in securing and diversifying the world energy supplies, Ecevit said, ''the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline project is getting one step closer to the construction phase. In addition, our Southeastern Anatolia Project, or GAP, is one of the largest developments projects in the world. All of these facts highlight Turkey's current standing and future potential as a rising economic power.''
Stating that Turkey set an example to many other nations by its very form of government and role in promoting international peace and stability as well as regional economic cooperation, Ecevit said, ''we provide living proof that a western-type democracy can exist and thrive in a predominantly Muslim nation. This is perhaps the strongest antidote to the contentions of certain circles in both Islamic and Christian countries that Islam and Human rights, or Islam and democracy can never successfully coexist.''
Recalling that Turkey had recently proposed to host a joint conference between the European Union (EU) and the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) in Istanbul between February 12-13, Ecevit said that achievement of full EU membership was one of two major goals Turkey had set for itself.
Ecevit said, ''the other objective is to transform Turkey into a strong, pivotal and affluent state in the heart of Eurasia, capable of spreading peace, stability and prosperity to its neighborhood and beyond. These objectives do not contradict, but complement each other. A pivotal Turkey in Eurasia will be an essential asset for the EU and a Turkey within the EU will be able to make a much stronger contribution to the security, stability and welfare of Eurasia.''
''We are fully aware that an essential requirement for EU membership is the fulfillment of the Copenhagen criteria. As a matter of fact, Turkey has made substantial progress towards satisfying those criteria. The constitutional amendments enacted during our term in office speak for themselves. And we are determined to carry on with the reform process. The Turkish government and parliament have been working around the clock to change existing legislation or introduce new laws that will take our democratic and economic standards to the highest possible level,'' he said.
Stressing that Turkey and the United States had common interests, Ecevit said that in the post-Cold War period, the once defense-driven cooperation between Turkey and the United States steadily grew to encompass many diverse fields.
Noting that they now characterized their ties as a strategic partnership, Ecevit said, ''an equally important aspect of this partnership is the huge potential for further deepening bilateral relations, especially in the economic field. We are looking forward to raising our bilateral trade to a much higher level that would do justice to our long-standing ties. Likewise, we hope that more American companies and entrepreneurs will take advantage of our foreign investment legislation to tap into Turkey's fast developing business environment.''
''In this connection, I would also like to underline our deep appreciation for the solid support we have been receiving from the United States in our efforts to strengthen the financial basis of our country. I had fruitful meetings with President Bush and other high-ranking administration officials. My talks in the United States have underlined once again that our two countries need each other more than ever. Our cooperation not only benefits both countries, but also other nations in many ways. Therefore, we are destined to remain close allies, friends and strategic partners, working towards the same vision of the future: one that brings greater peace, security and prosperity to our respective nations as well as the world. his was the message I brought from Turkey and I am glad to say that it is the same message I will be taking back from the United States,'' Prime Minister Ecevit said.
Responding a question about the U.S. State Department's statement on December 20 about preparation of a new Aegean map together with Turkey and Greece, Ecevit said, ''there are many fields in which we should cooperate. At the moment, I don't want to express concrete thoughts. Papandreou and Cem are actually working on this matter and they have not yet publicly explained this matter. So let's wait in order not to make their efforts be of no use. However, we can create new thoughts if necessary. We have common interests in many fields. The two neighboring countries can solve their problems.''
Responding a question which said, ''you have said that some countries are more reluctant to fight against terrorism. Are these countries Saudi Arabia, Egypt? What do you think about demolition of the al-Ajyad Fortress? What do you think about Turkey's influence over the Muslim world in long term? Turkey is not considered a part of the Muslim world completely. How can you express yourself as a model?'' Ecevit said, ''it can be possible to talk about some countries in the Middle East and east. However, some countries even in the European Union, some European powers do not define the existing terrorist organizations in their countries as terrorist organizations. For example, some of the terrorist acts in Turkey are planned in some EU countries while these countries do not define these organizations as terrorist organizations. They do not convey information about this matter to Turkey. So there are countries also in the Western world, which are more reluctant and act slowly regarding fight against terrorism, but I hope that we may see these countries more active in near future.''
''Turkey continues to be a model to Muslim countries day by day. Turkey has concretely shown that Islam can coexist with democracy, secularism and modernization. This has gained importance especially after the operation in Afghanistan. Earlier, some countries with Muslim population have some doubts about Turkey model. However, now most of those countries accept that the Turkey model is a model which should be implemented,'' Ecevit said.
When asked whether or not Turkey was ready to cooperate with the Russian government in the Chechnya issue, Ecevit said, ''there are different opinions about fight against terrorism. There are different approaches towards terrorism even in some democratic West European countries.''
Responding a question about start of direct talks on Cyprus, Ecevit said, ''it is very positive to hold face-to-face talks in a friendly atmosphere. I don't want to explain my opinion while the dialogue is under way in Lefkosa. We should wait for the result of the talks.''
When asked what Turkey should do protect its new role and how Turkey could accelerate process of accession to the EU, Ecevit said, ''we should be insistent on our secular and democratic regime in order to preserve our role. Loyalty to secular model, most important and democratic values is an important factor for Turkey. Turkey will advance on this path and inspire other countries.''
Responding a question about democratic development in Turkey, Ecevit said, ''Turkey is facing several problems and we should overcome these through democratic ways. However, Turkey cannot give up its determination in protection of its secular structure and territorial integrity.''
When asked what he thought about China's declaration of some groups in Eastern Turkistan as terrorist groups after September 11, Ecevit said that those groups could not be considered terrorist groups as long as they were not involved in terrorist acts.
Question: Turkish-Greek relations are continuing in a positive way. The foreign ministers of both countries are carrying out works on development of bilateral relations. The Greek Prime Minister asked ''if you have a demand from Greece for Aegean why don't you go to the International Court of Justice?'' Why don't you go there?
Ecevit: On my personal vies, the Aegean issue is a political matter, it is not a legal matter. Aegean should be defined again under the changing conditions. So we think that we should come together as two mature countries. We think that we should evaluate the situation in Aegean under the existing conditions. We think that at the end of this evaluation, we should reach a policy which satisfies both countries. Start of a dialogue between the two countries in recent years is pleasing. Our foreign ministers frequently meet each other. Maybe these meetings are not always held in front of press but they meet each other. Under a very close and special cooperation, it is possible to record some progress without reflecting them to the press so much. Because, they are two neighboring countries. We should be able to share our rights also on Aegean in a just way.
Question: Turkey's cooperation with Southern Caucasus is one of the issues on the agenda in Washington. Within framework of the Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, Chief of General Staff General Huseyin Kivrikoglu said, ''there are weapons of mass destruction in Armenia.''
Ecevit: I don't have information about Turkish Chief of General Staff general Kivrikoglu's statement about mass destruction weapons. However, occupation of Azerbaijani territories by Armenia is a very important issue for us. Tens of thousands of people are living under very difficult conditions as a result of this. We hope that these two countries would reach a result. There was an impression that leaders of both sides had reached the point of agreement. But this did not happen. If these two countries solve their problems and if occupation of Azerbaijani territories ends, we can set up diplomatic relations also with Armenia. We have recently given the start for visa implementation with Armenia. I hope that a just result for both sides would be reached, and we can start relations with Armenia.
Question: A discussion continues in the United States. The Bush administration has not yet made a decision on Iraq issue. There is a group in the United States, which wants to bring Iraq issue to forefront. Some persons want to bring Iraq to forefront in fight against terrorism. This may cause a clash among civilizations. What will your attitude be if you are asked a question about an operation against Iraq?
Ecevit: All of these are normal. The United States is a democratic country so existence of different opinions is normal. Now, there is a matter similar to Afghanistan in the United States. I see that an agreement was not reached on how Iraq issue can be solved. President Bush strongly stated that he could not endure Saddam Hussein. A way out should be found, of course. However, I hope that this would not be through a military operation. Because, such a military operation may be a disaster for Turkey even if it does not join this operation. Turkey suffered serious losses due to the Gulf War. We don't want occurrence of a similar thing again. Many people lost their lives during that period. I am sure that we can find another way another solution to Iraq issue. Actually, nobody talked about a military operation during my meetings.
Question: There are people who want to make Turkey and Russia confront each other about the Caspian oil. What do you think?
Ecevit: The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline is a very important project. It is not only economically but also strategically and politically important project. There is not any problem in our relations with Russia. Very positive relations between the United States and Russian Federation are developing and increasing. It can be possible to make different cooperation in different gas and oil pipelines. So I don't think there is a problem preventing our friendly relations here even between the West and Russian Federation and between Turkey and Russian federation.
Question: Will you give logistic support about Iraq issue?
Ecevit: We have been extending every kind of support for a long time. We actually provide airspace opportunity to the United States. Although there is a question mark about Iraq's intention, the U.S. air forces can always get permission for flights by signing agreements. So there is not a problem.
Question: There are comments like you may return to Turkey with nothing about a new trade agreement. Were you successful in development of commercial relations?
Ecevit: I think that we took the right steps about this matter. The State Department made a very important and positive statement yesterday. Although there is a partnership between Turkey and the United States, this partnership did not contain an economic partnership. However, it was stated that there should be also economic partnership. A high-level commission will be formed about this matter and this commission will hold its first meeting in mid-February. And it will be possible for us to discuss our bilateral economic and commercial issues through such a mechanism. The United States is aware of the problems that the Turkish economy is facing. They really helped us. We were pleased with this.
Question: Yesterday, you said that a compromise could be reached on Aegean issue. What was U.S. President Bush's answer? Did you give the start for an effort or work on a compromise with the Greek government, Costas Simitis? Are you talking about a legal compromise or political compromise?
Ecevit: There should be a political compromise. When there is a political compromise, it may have legal reflections, of course. The reaction of Bush was that his opinion about this matter was quite positive. He sincerely said that he wanted Turkey and Greece reach a solution. Until the recent past, Simitis was saying that the solution was the application to The Hague. However, for the last two-three years, especially in recent months, the dialogue between Turkey and Greece has increased. Many issues are being discussed during the talks that the Turkish and Greek foreign ministers are holding in friendly way. I don't know about details of these friendly talks but all of these talks will bring formulas that satisfy both sides. Start of face-to-face talks between Rauf Denktas and Glafcos Clerides on Cyprus is very important. It may not be possible to reach a solution that satisfies both sides. Dialogue may always bring new solutions, some solution possibilities. I hope that this dialogue would bring positive results in near future. My advice is that other countries should not intervene in Cyprus issue. Turkey, Greece, Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots should discuss the issue among themselves. However, Cyprus does not create a problem for other countries. So other organizations and countries should not intervene in this. Let's leave Mr. Denktas and Mr. Clerides alone as they are working to reach a solution that will satisfy both sides.