SABAH- Columnist Sedat Sertoglu writes on the unnecesary emphasis on Prime Minister Ecevit’s health and how it affects the problems awaiting Turkey. A summary of his column is as follows:
During the Second World War, US President Roosevelt governed his country and the great war from a wheelchair. He took critical decisions and attended crucial meetings. No one regarded it as strange or called for his resignation. What was key was how his mind worked. Today, there are very important issues the prime minister has to solve before him such as Turkey’s EU membership bid, the Cyprus problem and Iraq. Turkey must complete all her homework in time and without putting forth any excuses. Obstructing Turkey’s EU membership will mean darkening Turkey’s future, and no one has the right to take away that future. Is it wise to tie the future of 70 million people, our children, grandchildren and future generations, to the life a terrorist called Abdullah Ocalan? Is it wise to execute an already imprisoned terrorist to turn him into hero among his friends? Another problem awaiting Turkey is the Cyprus issue. It has to be solved. Turkey has to take its place around the table with a constructive and enthusiastic approach. Everyone must know clearly that Cyprus is directly tied to our EU membership. If the Greek Cypriot Administration is admitted into the EU, withdrawal of Turkey from Cyprus will be added to the conditions expected of it for EU membership. It is beyond comprehension how one cannot guess these results. The third important question before us is the future of Saddam Hussein. Turkey must determine what it will do in case of a military attack by the US. Turkey must be prepared for such a eventuality. Therefore, it is not wise to call for early general elections.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION