Erdogan traveled to Indonesia to attend a gathering of D-8 countries after his visit to Austria, where a meeting of officials from the European Union and Latin American countries was held.
On the flight from Austria to Indonesia, journalists heard Erdogan speak on a wide range of topics—from the Middle East to the upcoming presidential elections in Turkey, from the tension between the governments of Turkey and France over the so-called Armenian genocide, to his recent football performance.
Erdogan is making plans for a surprise visit to the United States; he believes that as Turkey is Co-President of the Greater Middle-East and Northern Africa Projects, it has an immense responsibility and the Turkish government should do its utmost.
“The tension in the region is set to mount due to Iran’s nuclear activities. I do not expect to see a war; however, there is bound to be a heavy price for us to pay. I have plans to take a trip to the United States as soon as I return to my country.”
Erdogan pressed for the need to recognize Iran’s right to have nuclear power, provided that Iran’s nuclear involvement be open to international inspection.
The Tehran administration does not object to an examination of its nuclear activities, said Erdogan, and stressed the need not to be over-judgmental, since it is not the change of regime in Iran that deserves focus.
The recent growing trend of reactionary news in Turkey is bound to the approaching presidential elections, said Erdogan.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced he will ask the United States for an appointment to discuss the Iran, Iraq, and Palestine issues after returning to Turkey from Indonesia.
“As co-chairman of the Greater Middle East and Northern Africa Projects, Turkey is under a huge responsibility,” Erdogan said, tension has escalated in the region due to Iran’s nuclear activities.
“I predict hot developments in the region. In such a case, Turkey will suffer greatly. I am thinking of visiting the US as soon as I return to Turkey, and I will ask for an appointment. On May 25 and 26, I will meet the German Chancellor Angela Merkel, which is important for the United Nations Security Council. We should discuss the Iraq, Iran, Israel, and Palestine issues.”
Erdogan stressed that the Iranian issue can be resolved diplomatically and said Iran has the right to enjoy nuclear power; however, its activities should be open to international inspections.
“The issue should not be quickly and harshly resolved. A regime change in Iran should not be discussed. There are problems with transparency, however, Iran is not against International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections and the international community should be informed about that.”
Erdogan said he did not approve of the international community halting the transfer of financial aid to Palestine after HAMAS (Islamic Resistance Movement) won the elections and discussed the issue with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
“Palestine is like an open prison,” Erdogan said, adding, “When Rice came to Turkey I asked her about the decision to stop humanitarian and financial aid to Palestine and said, ‘It is not appropriate.’ Rice said ‘the US is still sending humanitarian aid’ and I told her that ‘Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas does not confirm this.’ We are discussing humanitarian aid including food, oil, and sugar with Turkey’s Special Coordinator to Palestine Vehbi Dincerler. I spoke to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. He also shares our feelings.”
Algeria bill implications
Erdogan noted France’s bill to criminalize denial of the so-called Armenian genocide is related to its domestic political issues.
Emphasizing that French President Jacques Chirac also voiced his discomfort over the bill during their conversation in Vienna, Erdogan said: “Chirac wants that the bill be decided by the lower wing and should not be carried to parliament. He said the agenda of the French Parliament was already too busy.”
Erdogan said he met with representatives of French companies operating in Turkey and added that they are also uncomfortable with the current situation.
Erdogan said that a country that has considerable investments in Turkey will of course be negatively affected with this kind of a situation.
Replying to a question on whether Turkey could take a similar decision about the genocide in Algeria in response to France’s move, Erdogan said, they have not made any moves towards such a decision yet and added: “Our patience continues up to a certain point. We want to reach an agreement and we will continue to act with patience, but I don’t know what will happen if this process in France continues. We are not in the position of hostility; however, we can apply our own sanctions.”
Negotiations can start next month
Prime Minister Erdogan also touched upon Turkey’s relations with the European Union (EU) during our conversation and said that half the screening process was complete.
Erdogan said the negotiations, which will be conducted as two chapters, will start before Austria’s term presidency ends in June.
Erdogan said the process continues and that they do not need to visit all EU member countries as they did prior to the December 17 process, and added: “We already meet with the leaders during the summits and have had the opportunity to impart our position. Even if we do not have a place in the family portrait, we are invited to participate as a gesture.”
Erdogan emphasized the government evaluates the developments over the EU in all meetings it conducts and added that some important steps will be taken next year in order to strengthen ties with the EU.
AKP ready for contributions to CTA, not for its withdrawal
“We are ready to work with anybody prepared to contribute to the Counter-terrorism Act (CTA). The lawyers or others should come and share their concerns about the CTA with us; however, no one should expect us to completely withdraw the CTA. About twenty NGO’s came to us with their concerns about the CTA. I told them ‘Let’s make this law as a nation not just as the Justice and Development Party (AKP) Government.’ The security forces expect legal support from us for their struggle against terrorism. The CTA was already prepared consulting all organs of the state. The Turkish Armed Forces is one of them and the Presidency is another.”
Important Quotes from Erdogan:
Surprise visit to US
“The tension in the Middle East increased considerably. Turkey has a great deal of responsibility in the Iran, Iraq and Palestine issues, and I am planning to visit the US as soon as I return to Turkey.”
Reaction news political
“The increase in the number of reactions in Turkey is related to Turkey’s interior political concept; they are attempting to create tension as the Presidency election approaches. The Turkish Press has its own responsibility here.”
Justice verdicts according to identities
“Sometimes justice makes its decisions considering the identity of people. This says something about those who are in a position of applying the laws. I am not comfortable with this situation; if someone deceives the prime minister this is not a crime, but when this happens to another person it is a crime!”
