MILLIYET- Columnist Sami Kohen writes on Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit’s illness and its impact on foreign policy. A summary of his column is as follows:
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit’s illness didn’t draw as much attention in the busy schedule of the world as one might have expected. Apart from items appearing in news agency reports the day he was hospitalized, the foreign press has shown little interest in the issue. However, circles abroad concerned with Turkey, and certainly the foreign diplomats in Turkey are closely following the developments. Western specialists on Turkey are speculating on what may happen in Turkey in the future, such as the probability of early elections or a change in government. At this stage, foreign sources are not too concerned over Turkey’s political future. In the words of one analyst, politics has become an institution in Turkey and is able to overcome such crises. However, there are still those who believe that Turkey is plunging headlong into uncertainty just when everything was coming into order. In fact, it is unfortunate that the prime minister fell ill at a time which is crucial for Turkey in terms of foreign policy as well as economics. Ankara’s busy foreign schedule covers issues from relations with the EU to the Cyprus problem all of which require dynamic decisions and determination. The illness of the prime minister, who has ample experience in foreign policy matters, may prevent him from active participation in politics and may affect our foreign policy adversely. Even though Ecevit will carry on his duties from the hospital, his actions may be limited. For example, he could have directed Turkish foreign policy more actively at a time when a certain point has been reached on the Cyprus issue and our relations with the EU. He could have visited some European capitals and held direct talks with EU officials. However, he had to postpone his other visits to foreign countries as well. Independent Istanbul Deputy Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik believes that the situation in Turkey will lead to a blurring of Turkey’s strategic aims, lessening of resistance to pressure in foreign policy matters and eventually a loss of prestige. In fact, it would be harder for Turkey to face problems such as the EU, Cyprus and Iraq in this situation. Therefore, an immediate change in government is necessary. Irtemcelik believes that the formation of a new government and calling elections as soon as possible is the only way out.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION