President Gül says EU goal is state policy, questions East-West debate

One journalist posed the question, “Some people say Turkey is facing East. …” The president answered by asking, “Is it so easy to change direction?” He then continued: “What does East-West mean? If values such as democracy, human rights, transparency, rule of law and free market economy get stronger with laws and rules, the question of Turkey’s orientation toward East or West would remain insignificant,” he said and stressed Turkey’s policy towards European Union entry.

“Turkey has a state policy which aims at [entry into] the EU. If they do not make it easy for us, we will do a lot of things ourselves. Turkey is strong. And it empowers those who are close to it. Everybody should remain loyal to agreements they have signed and not behave just as they wish towards Turkey.”

Answering a question on the Kurdish initiative and whether or not it had been halted, Gül said the issue is not “static” but “a dynamic process of improvement.”

Another question about the Kurdish initiative was in reference to President Gül’s earlier evaluation of the process as he had said recently that it was a “historic opportunity.”

Gül said that terrorism will end, and for it to end “no people bearing arms will be left inside or in neighboring countries.”

In response to a query on the Cyprus question, Gül said, “Turkey has expectations” and added: “It will go to a referendum in the end. We would like to see the end of this issue by the end of the year.” He was referring to the negotiations between the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC) and the Greek Cypriot administration aiming to reach a peaceful solution on the divided island.

Interior minister targets DTP

At the Çankaya reception, eyes were also on Interior Minister Beşir Atalay, who said that it was the pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party (DTP) which has been responsible for the pause in the Kurdish initiative. He said it was the DTP which had “destroyed” the process by allowing festive celebrations at the return of the members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

On Oct. 19, 34 members of the PKK from Makhmour refugee camp and the Kandil Mountains -- eight of whom were dressed in PKK terrorist garb -- surrendered to Turkish authorities at the Habur border gate. Thousands of people and DTP officials participated in huge rallies to welcome the group of PKK members, a scene which created a strong reaction in the public, opposition, media and judiciary.

Atalay added that the process has not been completely halted and they will work on the issue more to decide how to move forward with it. He also underlined that Parliament should discuss the issue. When asked by journalists how many members of the PKK would arrive in Turkey from Europe, Atalay said the number could be greater than the previously announced number of around 16. They were expected to return on Oct. 28, but their arrival has been postponed.