Ecevit: Military Operation Against Iraq Is Not Necessary

ANKARA - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said, ''I don't think that a military operation against Iraq is necessary when there are not any concrete evidences''.
Speaking to the private Flash TV late on Friday, Ecevit answered questions about the latest developments.
Noting that foundation of a Kurdish state in Northern Iraq right next to Turkish border would cause several problems, Ecevit said, ''so we have to be very careful about this issue. As I have said that we have to protect ourselves if those who founded this parliament go too far. Relevant units of the state are carrying out works on this issue and they are taking every possibility into consideration.''
When recalled of the comments that a state had already been founded in that region, Ecevit said, ''if the state identity is made more obvious by this newly founded parliament and if this reaches the level to threat our security, then we do what is necessary, of course. We have to do what we can.''
When recalled of the claims that the United States actually wanted to be dominant over the oil areas in the region, and when asked whether or not its reason to strike Iraq was justifiable, Ecevit said that the Iraqi administration had made initiatives in the recent past, making the whole world feel uneasy.
Noting that there was not a problem between Turkey and Iraq but they had to be cautious, Ecevit said that necessary reaction to attitudes toward Turkmen had been shown.
Stating that the United States was facusing on possibility of strike by Iraq mostly on countries around it, Ecevit said, ''developments should be evaluated in the right way. Since early 1990s, we have granted the United States the authority to use Incirlik but under Turkey's control, of course. As a result of this, the United States actually has the opportunity to closely monitor developments in Iraq. So I don't think that a military operation against Iraq is necessary when there are not any concrete evidences. Actually, this is debated also in the United States.''
Noting that U.S. President George W. Bush's insistence brought several possibilities to mind, Ecevit said, ''oil is very important in regard to the Middle East. So the possibility you have said also comes to the mind but I cannot put forward it without knowing it definitely.''
''But if the U.S. administration discusses this issue in detail with Turkey, I hope that it can give up this military operation. Because, it has not yet received any support from the international community except Britain. However, we must be cautious. Every possibility comes to mind. What the United States can and cannot do and how much it will protect our interests while it takes these decisions...We will follow these in the course of time and developments. We do have a close dialogue with the U.S. administration. But we have not yet reached a consensus on the issue of attitude towards Iraq,'' he said.
When recalled of statement of Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz who said that 'use of Incirlik airbase would harm neighborly relations', Ecevit said that it was natural for Iraq to feel concern about it.
''Turkey's providing such an opportunity at Incirlik actually means an assurance for Iraq. Because, if we don't offer such an opportunity, the United States continues to take steps through some other ways. I believe that also the Baghdad administration actually knows Turkey's attitude is in favor of itself,'' Ecevit said.
Responding a question, Ecevit said that a military operation would destroy Turkish economy even if Turkey would not officially join this operation.
ECEVIT: THE 57TH GOVERNMENT HAS MADE ALL LEGAL ARRANGEMENTS REQUIRED IN TURKEY FOR YEARS
Speaking at a program on the private Flash TV Channel, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''no one in Turkey discusses the measures taken by the 57th government. In fact, we have revived the economy step by step. Inflation has begun to decrease, and exports and production have begun increasing. Therefore, our conscience is clear. The 57th government has made all legal arrangements required in Turkey for years. However, early elections were brought onto agenda before getting results of these legal arrangements.''
''All countries experiencing economic crises need support of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). I invited Kemal Dervis to Turkey because of his economic experience. However, he concentrated on politics instead of economy. I am disappointed with his actions,'' he said.
Referring to the public surveys about the upcoming elections, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''I do not rely on these surveys. On the contrary of these surveys, the DSP has been further strengthening after all general elections. I hope that we would get a positive result from the elections.''
When asked, ''is Kemal Dervis a chance for the Republican People's Party (CHP)? If Dervis had joined the DSP, would have he increased your number of votes?'' Ecevit said that any comment on the CHP by him would not be correct.
Responding a question about CHP leader Deniz Baykal's proposals for alliance among the leftist parties, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''in fact, Baykal's recommendations for us were humiliating actions. It is impossible to consider them concrete evidences of unfication in the left.''
Responding another question about the Justice and Development Party (AK Party), Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''although everyone knows that those who founded this political party are opposed to secular and democratic regime, they prefer to ignore this fact. Attitudes and style are well-known. They have never hidden it. Now, they prefer to remain silent before the upcoming elections. Because, if they explain their real views, public opinion will react them.''