"Your absence from the press conference will have a scandalous effect," Rasmussen told Erdogan at their meeting. "If I went to the conference there would be an even bigger crisis on my end. Whatever the consequences I am ready to pay the price," replied Erdogan. Their meeting was predominantly devoted to discussions over Roj TV, whom the Danish side defended by arguing 'freedom of expression', expression which also includes cartoons perceived as an insult the Prophet Mohammed. Although Denmark admits that the PKK, as well as Kongra-Gel, are terror organizations, the Danish government does not prevent Roj TV from broadcasting programs that express support to the Kurdish Workers’ Party (PKK) terror organization. Despte Turkey handed over incriminating documents to Rasmussen nearly two months ago, the television company was not deterred from participating. Erdogan complained: "We gave the Danish administration documented evidence that the director of Roj TV is one of the dominant leaders of the terrorist organization. Roj TV has been inciting terrorism by saying 'Semdinli is a war zone.'”
Erdogan learnt about the reporter during the luncheon
"The Police are in the process of investigating the issue, we need to wait for their conclusion before taken further action," answered Rasmussen. Erdogan reacted to Rasmussen's response by saying, "I have already given you documents as proof that the owner of the television company is a member of the terrorist organization. What do you have left to investigate?" The Turkish Prime Minister learnt during their luncheon that Roj TV reporters would be at the press conference, and proceeded to tell his counterpart, "You are trying to bring me together with the broadcasting company of a terrorist organization. I cannot stand for it. I will not be present at the press conference; you can hold it alone, and if Denmark goes on the record as having a paradoxical attitude towards terrorism, so be it." Ramussen's reply to Erdogan's reaction was this: "I cannot possibly do that to the media. It would lead to crisis, end in a scandal. Your absence would also cause chaos." Erdogan’s response was "There would be an even bigger crisis if I turned up at the meeting. I’m prepared to not attend the meeting at any expense." Host country Denmark reportedly accredited Roj TV to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Parliamentary Assembly, Turkish prime minister told the reporters. In relation to the cartoons that belittle the Prophet Mohammed, Rasmussen criticized the ambassadors of 11 Islamic countries, including Turkey, who had written letters in protest against the appearance of the cartoons.
Pamuk's book offers answer to cartoon crisis
"If you’re unhappy about it, go to court, and let it be settled there," said Ramussen. In response to this, Erdogan said, "Muslims would not insult any prophet, and they would not tolerate anyone who offended prophets either."
Erdogan gave Rasmussen a Danish language copy of the Black Book, a novel by famous Turkish novelist Orhan Pamuk, and read aloud an excerpt from the novel in which a young columnist listens to the advice of an old writer. The excerpt contains the statement that readers would not show any tolerance for offenses against the Prophet.
