Ecevit: We Want Peace In Middle East As Much As We Want Peace In Turkey

IZMIR - Democratic Left Party (DSP) leader and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Sunday that ''we want peace in the Middle East as much as we want peace in Turkey. We are both European and Middle East country. There may be problems in certain Arab countries, Iraq and about Saddam Hussein. We can solve these problems without war and even without the U.S.''
''Ten thousands of people, policemen and soldiers died in Turkey due to separatist terrorism. We can't accept any regulation which will lead to killing of people again. No solution can be put forward in Iraq without the consent of Turkey,'' Ecevit said.
Addressing people in western Izmir province, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit explained the performance of the coalition government led by his party.
Referring to the issue of head scarf, Prime Minister Ecevit said that ''nobody interferes with head scarf of another person in Turkey. However, there are certain rules in public institutions. There is no prohibition on head scarf in places except these public institutions.''
Ecevit called on people to be very careful while voting in the Nov. 3 elections, adding that the EU officials announced that they would not open the EU door to Turkey if an anti-secularist party comes to power.
Referring to Cyprus issue, Ecevit said that TRNC is an indispensable part of Turkey which attributes the same importance to the territory of Turkish Cypriots. ''The security of Turkish Cypriots is equal to the security of Turkey. The existence of TRNC is a condition of Turkey's security. There are huge differences between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Their state, nation, language and religion are different... So we ask the EU 'what do you want?'' Ecevit said.
Ecevit added that it was time for him to leave DSP leadership, but not the party.