ANKARA - Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Tuesday that it was injustice and irresponsibility to criticize their efforts for solution of Iraqi crisis without war whereas their efforts were appreciated outside the country. Gul said, ''Turkey can not seem this much favoring war.''
Addressing the group meeting of his party, Gul briefed about his visit to Middle East countries, and mentioned developments regarding Iraq.
Gul stated that a new period would start in bilateral relations with those countries following the visits, adding that relations would become better with those countries gradually.
Gul said artificial problems erupted with those countries from time to time, yet that it was seen that this was not beneficial to anybody.
Gul said leaders of all the countries he visited put forward an open political will in this respect, and that they were determined to do what was necessary to bring the relations into the highest level.
Stating that everybody is in a deep concern regarding Iraqi issue, Gul pointed out that there were particularly concerns pertaining to the situation that would appear after war, Gul said he had suspicions that situation in Iraq after war would constitute threat.
Gul said, ''it will be very difficult to provide stability there again. Everybody is afraid that there will be bloodshed, and there is fear that this will continue after war.''
Stating that efforts of Turkey for the solution of the problem through peaceful means were appreciated by everybody, Gul said, ''there are many alternatives to stop war, and to solve the problem without war. We think there is still chance. We are working on this, and statements will be made when time comes.''
''I am astonished when I see some criticisms in some press organs against the government. The government has been preparing Turkey against all kinds of scenarios in order to protect the interest of our country. It is our duty to protect our national interests. Our most important responsibility is to prevent a possible war and to make contributions to efforts to find a solution without war. Allied countries appreciate our contributions to find a peaceful solution. I really wonder how some circles can criticize our efforts. U.S. President George W. Bush, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell and United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan have been expending great efforts to find a peaceful solution,'' he said.
Prime Minister Gul said, ''these issues are extremely sensitive. We have based our policy towards Iraq on the compromise reached at the meeting of the National Security Council (NSC). This compromise was reached by taking into consideration views, analyses and proposals of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK). Therefore, criticisms of some press organs are totally unfair and irresponsible. We all have responsibilities. We should preserve national unity and solidarity in such a period. Press organs should refrain from attitudes humiliating the government. The government has been preparing Turkey against all kinds of scenarios in order to protect the interest of our country.''
''Turkey is an ally of the United States and one of the founder members of NATO. We aim at further improving existing strategical relations. No one can ignore our cooperation in fight against terrorism,'' he said.
Noting that TSK was providing security in Kabul and that any country had not shown courage to take over this mission although mandate of Turkish troops had ended two months ago, Gul said that Turkish soldiers had contributed to settlement of peace in Bosnia, Kosovo and Macedonia, and that Turkish soldiers were exerting themselves for peace not only in those countries but also in regions from Palestine to East Timor.
Recalling that Turkey had permitted site-surveys for fulfillment of United Nations' resolutions on Iraq, Gul said, ''I was shocked when I saw headlines in newspapers as if these had not any value. Nobody has the right to hurt Turkey's honor and our nation. Some people do not have the right to destroy our relations as to gain prestige.''
Stressing that they would expend efforts for peace till the end but at this point, Iraq had the greatest responsibility, Gul said that Iraq should see and understand that hazardous weapons could not exist in the region so Iraq should very clearly and transparently abide by the U.N. resolutions and it should take further steps.
Recalling that he had sent a message through State Minister Kursad Tuzmen and he had explained his opinions in that message, Gul said, ''I said that only Iraq could take the biggest step on prevention of war. However, this was reflected in an unfortunate way in the press. We are open to rightful and unfair criticisms. However, this group stands here with 363 people if some people are trying to systematically wipe out our government.''