Tweet
Turkish minister says independent Kurdistan not viewed as an option
Anatolia news agency
23 Mar 07
Ankara, 23 March: Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister
Abdullah Gul stated that Turkey had the same democracy that existed in
EU member countries and the maturity reached by Turkish democracy
should not be overshadowed.
Participating in a TV programme, Gul commented on recent domestic and
international political developments.
Upon a question on the upcoming presidential election, Gul said
numerous presidential elections were held in Turkey previously and
discussions occurred during all of them.
"Today, we will probably hold the least-controversial presidential
election. "Turkish democracy matured. We are a country negotiating
with EU. The democracy, found in developed EU member states, exists in
Turkey as well. The level of maturity that Turkish democracy reached
should not be overshadowed by anybody," Gul stressed.
Underscoring that Turkish society was "open", Gul said, "Rules of the
election are clear. Everybody has the right to discuss or express
his/her own opinion. We are following these as well".
Stressing that there was not any pressure within the Justice and
Development Party (AKP) concerning the selection of candidates, Gul
noted that no decisions were taken yet regarding a candidate for
presidency.
"These are not easy decisions, Everybody should contribute to the
discussion maturely," said Gul.
Moreover, replying to a question on whether early general elections
would be held following the presidential election, Gul indicated that
they desired to hold the elections to happen according to schedule.
Iraq
Upon a question on recent developments in Iraq, Gul said, "I want to
emphasize once again that we attach great importance to protection of
Iraq's territorial integrity and political unity.
"Unfortunately, serious developments have been occurring in
Iraq. Sectarian clashes claim lives of people every day. On the other
hand, there are also positive developments. The political process has
been continuing and Iraqi people do not want their country to get
separated. If Iraq is separated, it paves the way for endless
wars. Iraq is one of the richest countries in the world but it is also
in the worst situation. Even Kurdish leaders are aware that
such a separation would not be beneficial," he said.
When asked whether there was the risk of an independent "Kurdistan",
Gul said, "An independent Kurdistan means separation of Iraq. There
is, of course, such a risk. Will Iraqi people approve it? Will the
regional countries allow such a separation? The Middle East has not
managed to solve the Israeli-Palestinian dispute yet. Now, it would
face another problem. Therefore, a separation will never be an
alternative."
Bill on so-called Armenian genocide in USA
Upon a question on the risk of enactment of a bill on so-called
Armenian genocide in the US House of Representatives, Gul said, "Of
course there is still a risk. I am not comfortable yet. We have to
work on it. Next week our third delegation of law-makers will go to
the USA. We are sending all these delegations in a plan and I think
they held very useful talks."
Gul also said Turkish proposal regarding a joint commission of
historians about the Armenian issue was the first "challenge", however
he said this proposal did not come into being.
European Union and Mubarak's visit
While commenting on EU-Turkey negotiations, Gul said EU membership
should not be considered as taking out an EU passport. He reiterated
that Turkey's goal is full membership to the EU.
Regarding Egyptian President Husni Mubarak's visit to Turkey, Gul said
relations between Turkey and Egypt have improved in recent years and
underscored that Mubarak came to Turkey together with his five
ministers.
Gul added that Egypt has suspended its deal with Greek Cypriot
administration regarding oil exploration in the Mediterranean.
Anatolia news agency
23 Mar 07
Ankara, 23 March: Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister
Abdullah Gul stated that Turkey had the same democracy that existed in
EU member countries and the maturity reached by Turkish democracy
should not be overshadowed.
Participating in a TV programme, Gul commented on recent domestic and
international political developments.
Upon a question on the upcoming presidential election, Gul said
numerous presidential elections were held in Turkey previously and
discussions occurred during all of them.
"Today, we will probably hold the least-controversial presidential
election. "Turkish democracy matured. We are a country negotiating
with EU. The democracy, found in developed EU member states, exists in
Turkey as well. The level of maturity that Turkish democracy reached
should not be overshadowed by anybody," Gul stressed.
Underscoring that Turkish society was "open", Gul said, "Rules of the
election are clear. Everybody has the right to discuss or express
his/her own opinion. We are following these as well".
Stressing that there was not any pressure within the Justice and
Development Party (AKP) concerning the selection of candidates, Gul
noted that no decisions were taken yet regarding a candidate for
presidency.
"These are not easy decisions, Everybody should contribute to the
discussion maturely," said Gul.
Moreover, replying to a question on whether early general elections
would be held following the presidential election, Gul indicated that
they desired to hold the elections to happen according to schedule.
Iraq
Upon a question on recent developments in Iraq, Gul said, "I want to
emphasize once again that we attach great importance to protection of
Iraq's territorial integrity and political unity.
"Unfortunately, serious developments have been occurring in
Iraq. Sectarian clashes claim lives of people every day. On the other
hand, there are also positive developments. The political process has
been continuing and Iraqi people do not want their country to get
separated. If Iraq is separated, it paves the way for endless
wars. Iraq is one of the richest countries in the world but it is also
in the worst situation. Even Kurdish leaders are aware that
such a separation would not be beneficial," he said.
When asked whether there was the risk of an independent "Kurdistan",
Gul said, "An independent Kurdistan means separation of Iraq. There
is, of course, such a risk. Will Iraqi people approve it? Will the
regional countries allow such a separation? The Middle East has not
managed to solve the Israeli-Palestinian dispute yet. Now, it would
face another problem. Therefore, a separation will never be an
alternative."
Bill on so-called Armenian genocide in USA
Upon a question on the risk of enactment of a bill on so-called
Armenian genocide in the US House of Representatives, Gul said, "Of
course there is still a risk. I am not comfortable yet. We have to
work on it. Next week our third delegation of law-makers will go to
the USA. We are sending all these delegations in a plan and I think
they held very useful talks."
Gul also said Turkish proposal regarding a joint commission of
historians about the Armenian issue was the first "challenge", however
he said this proposal did not come into being.
European Union and Mubarak's visit
While commenting on EU-Turkey negotiations, Gul said EU membership
should not be considered as taking out an EU passport. He reiterated
that Turkey's goal is full membership to the EU.
Regarding Egyptian President Husni Mubarak's visit to Turkey, Gul said
relations between Turkey and Egypt have improved in recent years and
underscored that Mubarak came to Turkey together with his five
ministers.
Gul added that Egypt has suspended its deal with Greek Cypriot
administration regarding oil exploration in the Mediterranean.