Ecevit: Turkey Has Proved That Islam Can Coincide With Democracy

ANKARA, Jan 21 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Monday, ''Turkey has proved that Islam can coincide with democracy, modernism and if wanted with secularism. This will be beneficial to Islam not harmful. This understanding is developing in the whole world.''
Ecevit evaluated his visit to the United States in a programme broadcast in state-run TRT channel.
Prime Minister Ecevit said that economy was high on the agenda of their visit to the United States. Not only Turkey but also the U.S. government had shown great interest in economy, Ecevit noted.
Ecevit stated that almost all of the U.S. ministers had shown extraordinary interest in economy and trade and stressed that Turkey also paid attention to this matter.
Prime Minister Ecevit went on saying, ''I said that there was strategic partnership between the two countries and that the partnership was gradually improving. But, the economy and trade link of that strategic partnership is very weak. Turkey's trade with the United States is developing against Turkey. The United States has made many facilitations for many countries in trade. Meanwhile, it has also provided some facilitations to European union (EU) of which we are a candidate. However, it did not provide them to Turkey. This is injustice and should be overcome.''
''Then, I made some concrete proposals. For example, there are some industrial zones of the United States in Israel and Jordan. Duty free exportation can be made from those zones to the United States,'' Ecevit said.
Ecevit stated that the relations with the United States regarding assistance to development of Afghanistan, energy, military vehicles and equipment continued and stressed that they touched on the necessity of improving those relations.
Tourism should also be promoted, Ecevit said and noted, ''when we stressed on these issue, we saw that the United States was prepared. They have brought forth a motion. This motion made us happy. According to it, our economic partnership can be increased to the level equal to our strategic partnership.''
That proposal came from the U.S. officials, Ecevit said.
Ecevit continued, ''they also added some concrete elements. They told us that a commission can hold its first meeting between February 26 and 27. This means that their interest in our economy and trade will not only remain on pages but initiatives will be taken.''
Noting that all problems could not be solved at one occassion, Ecevit said, ''but, as the United States accepted such an institutionalization, this is a hope inspiring development. As I have said, we cannot reach a result immediately but, the doors of positive results can be opened at a great extent.''
Stating that Turkey had begun preparations regarding this issue, Ecevit said, ''I hope that the United States has also started preparatory works. To this end, I hope that more positive indicators will occur in economy and trade starting from March.''
When the interviewer reminded him about the news that the United States had made a commitment of 2.5 billion U.S. dollars for Baku-Ceyhan pipeline, Ecevit said that especially U.S. President Bush had special interest in Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline and noted that he had told him that he had attributed vital importance to that issue.
Ecevit said that Vice President Dick Cheney and other secretaries expressed similar statements and once more noted that they would undertake their responsibilities in meeting the costs.
They had noted that this issue was of economic, political and strategic importance, Ecevit pointed out.
When the interviewer said, ''there are views that the approach of the United States towards Islamic movements is changing and that the United States has made a U turn in Central Asia and Turkey model has been proposed. How do you look at the Caucasus? Ecevit said that this issue was an issue which drew the attention in not only Caucasus but also in the whole world.
Ecevit noted that the interest that Turkey, the majority of the population of which was Muslims, had shown after especially the September 11th terrorist attacks contributed to correcting the misevaluation in many mentalities.
Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''they have adopted the view that a country, the majority of the population of which is comprised of Muslims, can oppose to a movement like Taliban. And, Turkey's model has drawn the attention in the whole world. Turkey has proved that Islam can coincide with democracy, modernism and if wanted with secularism. This will be beneficial to Islam not harmful. This understanding is developing in the whole world.''
''This understanding is developing in the world. Of course, it is also developing in the Caucasus. The United States attributes utmost importance to development of this understanding. Too this end, Bush expresses his respect to Islam in every occassion. A model orienting from Turkey has started to draw the interest and respect of whole world,'' Ecevit said.
When the interviewer reminded him that Russian Chief of General Staff signed a number of agreements in Turkey a short time ago and asked, ''what is happening? On one side Baku, the United States and on the other side Russia,'' Ecevit said that this was in fact indicating that the world had changed.
Ecevit noted that Turkey had also close friendship with Russians during the former Soviet Union.
After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the improvement of relations between Turkey and Russia became easier, Ecevit stated.
Ecevit said that Bush touched on Russia during their meeting and told him that he attributed importance to promotion of relations with Russia.
''So, if some circles think that Turkey and the United States can be in opposite sides regarding this issue, they are wrong. Warm relations have begun between Russia and the United States. Mr. Bush obviously expressed this,'' Ecevit noted.
When he was reminded about the tension between Israel and Palestine and asked if he would propose Sharon and Arafat to come and discuss their issue in Turkey, Ecevit said that Turkey was saying that for a long time.
Ecevit stated that Turkey had made proposals to the sides for many times and Palestinian leader Arafat accepted that while Israeli Prime Minister Sharon said that they would meet with Arafat after a full tranquility was ensured on Israeli lands.
''During our meeting, even Bush said that a full tranquility cannot be ensured immediately and this expectation was not right,'' Ecevit said.
Ecevit noted that the incidents which took place between Israel and Palestine were very painful and said, ''when the foundation of the Palestinian state was laid at the cost of that grief, now that foundation is being destroyed.''
Pointing out that this was an exteremely tragic incident, Ecevit said, ''if this negative development is not prevented, all the Middle East will face serious problems. The thing named inter-religious conflict can re-occur.''
He stressed his concerns about that issue during his contacts in the United States, Ecevit said.
Ecevit noted, ''the United States has to handle the issue efficiently. They sent a general. This was a good gesture. But, it is not enough. I stressed during my meeting with Bush or with other officials that the United States should interfere in the issue with more officials and quickly.''
Responding to a question about the adjustment laws, Ecevit said, ''the adjustment laws are the legislative works which concern economy, our EU full membership, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, and at the same time they are the expectations of our people.''
Ecevit said that nine important laws were passed in the first week of the new year and these efforts were respected by the whole world.
Prime Minister Ecevit pointed out that there were laws which had not been passed yet and said, ''the drafts are ready and most of them have been presented to the parliament. The preparatory works for a new constitutional amendment bill is being discussed by all the parties.''
Ecevit stated that he believed that adjustment laws can be passed and the main obstacles before EU membership can be lifted in the shortest time.
At the same time, economy had to gain momentum, Ecevit said.
When he was told that the early elections rumours which were high on the agenda a few months ago but which started to lose effect last month, ended immediately together with the visit tot he United States, Ecevit said, ''because, it has been seen that the government is working on every issue and has started to take results. The opposition may want us to leave the power. But, the public is giving us another chance. They can see that the government is on the right track, tries to achieve many things and starts to gain success. And, they accept that another chance has to be given. Of course, we are moved by this.''

PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT ''SOME EU COUNTRIES OPEN DOORS TO THE ORGANIZATIONS WHICH STAGE THE CRUELEST TERRORIST ATTACKS IN TURKEY''
Prime Minister Ecevit said that some of the terrorist organizations which sheltered in those countries planned the terrorist attacks they staged in Turkey, in those countries.
Ecevit noted that they had not received any positive response to their warnings about this matter yet.
Upon a question on his visit to the United States, Ecevit said, ''we went there hopefully but we were not carried out by our dreams. Because, we have marked significant progress in our relations with the United States. The United States' closeness and friendship towards Turkey are gradually improving. To this end, I went there hopefully.''
Ecevit stated that he had met with the businessmen who would accompany him during his visit to the United States and noted that those businessmen were well prepared for the tour.
Pointing out that he had the oppurtunity to meet with many statesmen in the United States, Ecevit said that he had seen that there was great interest in their visit and Turkey.
When the journalist told him that he had seen a concrete example of international terrorism in the United States and asked about his feelings, Ecevit said, ''the Americans had not faced such big attacks on their territory so far. They had reacted to the clashes in other countries and taken measures. But, they had not experienced such a big attack and such a big political disaster on their territory since that day. They are facing such an incident for the first time.''
Ecevit continued, ''to this end, the feelings of the American people were very clear. Also, the September 11th disaster was a very big humanity tragedy either it took place in the United States or in another place. This incident have showed this: Terrorism is easily applicable in the world today.''
''However, the fight against terrorism has become more difficult. Especially, because of the advanced technology. Today, none of the countries can fight against terrorism by its own sources. Terrorism is the case of all humanity. All the people, all the nations which give importance to humanity should take part in the joint fight against terrorisms. They have to develop common intelligence. I think this is the top lesson that we should take from this incident,'' Ecevit added.
''Certain EU countries sometimes criticize us with some excuses but now they also joined the international fight against terrorism,'' Ecevit said responding to a question. ''However the EU sometimes open its doors to terrorist organizations which carry out the most cruel terrorist acts in Turkey. These terrorists find shelter in those countries and their organizations plan their acts in those countries. We haven't yet received a positive reply to our warnings regarding this matter.''
The prime minister indicated that the United States always supported Turkey in its fight against terrorism before Sept.11 incident. Ecevit said he was grateful for the helpful attitude of the United States.

PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT ''IF IRAQ CONTINUES TO RESIST TO NOT ACCEPTING U.N. INSPECTORS IN ITS TERRITORY, NOT ONLY IRAQ ITSELF BUT ALSO ALL THE WORLD PARTICULARLY TURKEY WILL FACE SERIOUS PROBLEMS''
Noting that there had been armies clashing with each other rather than a national army, Ecevit said that this was a very serious threat for the security and independence of Afghanistan.
Ecevit pointed out that Turkey had contributed to the strengthening and restructuring of armies of some countries in the region.
If Afghanistan wished, Turkey could also make the same contribution to that country, Ecevit said.
Ecevit stated that Karzai sent him a very warm response to his congratulatory message but that he did not know what he was thinking.
''Many circles interfere in Afghanistan from inside and outside. To this end, they might not want Turkey to become strong and efficient there. However, an International Security Assistance Force is being set up recently. Turkey is taking part in this force with 261 officers. We have accepted the request of the United States, Britain and the other ally countries which asked Turkish units to take over the command after the mandate of British forces ends. Many circles support Turkey to go there efficiently to contribute to and ensure security. Some negative voices can be heard. We will see in time how much real these voices are,'' Ecevit said.
Asked what the measures which could end the threat against Saddam Hussein could be and asked if he could give messages which could call Saddam Hussein to common sense, Ecevit said that U.S. President George Bush had clearly and obviously touched on this issue during his visit to the United States.
Explaining Bush's views on this issue, Ecevit said, ''there is not any tolerance to Saddam Hussein. Saddam is a bad man. He will represent wicked things as long as he is in the power and he will be the source of instability in the regin. Diplomatic methods are on the agenda at this stage. Be sure that we will be in consultation with you if our evaluations will carry us to take another route. Be sure that we do not have the intention to leave behind instability irrespective of the method we will follow.''
''We definitely share your sensitivities about the territorial integrity of Iraq. Any step which will jeopardize Turkey should not be taken. There have not been any plans yet. And, I have not taken a decision yet. But, be sure that definite success will be gained in the end of either the diplomatic or another path. If a step towards Iraq is to be taken, I once more state that we will be successful in that step. This will create a more positive medium for Turkey in the long term,'' Ecevit added.
U.S. President Bush knew how much uneasy Turkey was about a probable military operation on Iraq, Ecevit said.
Ecevit noted that the U.S. administration had not reached a definite view on this matter and said that there were people who thought that such a military operation could be appropriate and there were people who thought the opposite.
The United States was in a thinking and searching process, Ecevit stated.
Ecevit pointed out that there was a light of hope in the words of Bush and that those words meant that they knew what they would do if no result was taken through diplomatic methods.
Upon the words of Bush who said that everybody should be sure that they would reach success either through diplomacy or through another path and that they would not leave the issue incomplete, Ecevit said, ''the optimistic comment I can derive from these words is that Saddam Hussein should tidy up against these words of Bush. Not only the United States but also almost all the world is against him. And, if the U.N. resolutions are violated and if Iraq continues to insist on not accepting the U.N. inspectors who have been charged to control weapons in its territory, not only Iraq itself but also all the world, particularly Turkey and especially the Middle East, will face serious problems.''
''To this end, Saddam Hussein should take serious Bush's words. Here, there is a light of hope. If a remedy is found through diplomacy, a hope inspiring door can be opened. I believe that Saddam Hussein should take into consideration Bush's words seriously,'' Ecevit added.
''If Iraq opens its doors to UN inspectors, would this be a diplomatic success and will the sanctions be lifted?''Ecevit was asked.
Ecevit said, ''this depends on Iraq'' and that he was hoping for a positive outcome.
The interviewer told Ecevit that he was very sensitive about Iraq's territorial integrity and he supported the Iraqi administration on this matter. Ecevit said from the very beginning what is most important to him is the territorial integrity, prosperity, peace and stability of Turkey.
Ecevit pointed out that during the Gulf War, he went to Iraq as a journalist and had long discussions with Saddam Hussein during his visits. He said he had warned Saddam Hussein that he would not only get Iraq into trouble by Kuwait adventure but also get the whole region into trouble including Turkey. Ecevit added that he continued his warnings to Saddam Hussein.
PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''IF THE REALITY OF EXISTENCE OF TWO SEPARATE STATES, NATIONS AND PEOPLES IN CYPRUS IS ACCEPTED, THEN A SOLUTION WHICH CAN SATISFY BOTH OF THE SIDES CAN BE REACHED''
Prime Minister Ecevit said that Turkey had to make some preparations before the United States set off for an operation on Iraq.
Ecevit noted, ''the United States attributes utmost importance to its strategic cooperation with Turkey. I do not think that it can hurt us. The close and warm interest in Turkey during our visit to the United States confirms this impression.''
When the interviewer told Ecevit the words of U.S. President George Bush who said that they could not do without Turkey, Ecevit said, ''it cannot be done without Turkey. Because, we are border neighbours with Iraq. An operation on Iraq cannot be easily made without using Turkey's territory.''
Asked what kind of a stance is expected from Armenia following new approaches of Turkey, Ecevit said that this country should abandon occupying and drew the attention that Armenia occupied some of Azerbaijani territory outside Upper Karabakh.
Ecevit noted that tens of thousands of Azerbaijani people tried to shelter in tents in very severe conditions for years and said, ''Armenia should abandon these behavious. If it gives up occupying, dialogue and diplomatic relations can be set up between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Then, we can easily establish diplomatic relations with Armenia.''
They had put to implementation visa application at the border as a good will gesture, Ecevit stated.
Ecevit said, ''this had resulted in a positive impression in the U.S. administration. They especially stressed this and told me their pleasure about this matter.''
Prime Minister Ecevit stressed that ''Armenia should definitely abandon its occupying stance'' to solve the issue.
Touching on Aegean issue, Ecevit said that he was asked by foreign journalists, including the Greek and Greek Cypriot journalists, during his visit to Washington about what he thought about the improving Greek-Turkish relations and asked if he was hopeful for the future.
Ecevit said that he stressed that good relations started to be improved prior to and after the devastating earthquake which hit Turkey in 1999 and that he expressed the pleasure about this.
The solution of Cyprus question could be difficult but the Aegean issue could be solved easily, Ecevit noted.
Ecevit said that the Turkish and Greek foreign ministers were holding contacts without reflecting to the press.
''What I am saying is that the dialogue established by these two ministers is important. None of the dialogues can be carried out before the press. The dialogue is made public after it reaches a certain stage. However, some circles in Greece could not tolerate this,'' Ecevit noted.
Ecevit stated that there had not been serious dialogue in Cyprus for a long time and said that Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas and Greek Cypriot administration leader Glafcos Clerides tried to establish dialogue thousands of miles away from Cyprus in a separate country and in separate rooms.
However, Denktas proposed to meet on Cyprus and changed that process, Ecevit said.
Ecevit went on saying, ''a serious dialogue has begun between the two leaders. But, we cannot see what kind of a result will be gained. Because, there is a condition to reach a concrete result. That condition is the acceptance of the realitiy in the island. What is that reality? There are two separate states and nations in the island. If the reality of the existence of two separate states, nations and peoples is accepted in Cyprus, then a solution which can satisfy both of the sides and which can be further improved in time can be reached. I hope the dialogue launched by Denktas and clerides can open the door.''
The European Union (EU) was the faulty side in Cyprus question, Ecevit pointed out and said, ''because, the EU is preparing the Greek Cypriot administration for full membership as if it was representing whole Cyprus before the Cyprus question is solved. Thus, the Greek Cypriot administration is turning a blind eye to the most reasonable demands and proposals.''
Ecevit noted that there were four elements regarding Cyprus including Turkey, Greece, Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots.
''The Cyprus question does not concern any other country other than the above mentioned. The EU's considering this as a trouble and business pushes the Greek Cypriots into resistance. If the EU leaves Turkish and Greek Cypriots alone, then, I believe that a solution which can satisfy both of the sides can easily be found,'' Ecevit added.