Hi all; Turkish PM says prospect of attack against Iraq excites and pleases Kurds, but not him, LOL:
Ecevit: It Seems That Envisagements Toward Military Operation Against Iraq Extremely Excite And Please Kurdish Clans
Turkish Press, October 10, 2002
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Tuesday that, ''it seems that envisagements toward military operation against Iraq extremely excite and please Kurdish clans and groups in Northern Iraq. This of course causes concern for us.''
Ecevit responded to the questions in private Show TV channel.
When asked how would Turkey's relations be with the Kurdish groups in Northern Iraq and what would Turkey do in case of an operation against Iraq, Ecevit said the United States seemed resolved to launch a military operation against Iraq, yet that the U.S. administration seemed not to reach a certain decision and schedule about it.
Ecevit said, ''some authorized people in the United States try to convince U.S. President George Bush to give up the military operation. But all of those are my optimistic estimations,'' and noted that there was the danger of a serious war. Ecevit said Turkey was against this war, and that it could not get rid of the serious effects of a war. He said to this end they thought such a military operation has drawbacks for Turkey.
Responding to a question which said, ''if at this point the Kurdish formation reaches maturity that Turkey can intervene, will you hesistate to intervene?'' Ecevit said it was difficult to say something basing on assumptions.
Ecevit said, ''it seems that envisagements toward military operation against Iraq extremely excite and please Kurdish clans and groups in Northern Iraq. This of course causes concern for us.''
When asked if Turkey was ready to intervene if Kurdish parliament had issued a decision that would distrub Turkey, Ecevit said, ''of course. We will react against any distrubing reaction whereever it comes. We carefully cover the things that happen, and the possibilities. The General Staff, Foreign Ministry and all concerned institutions continiously examine what could be done against possible incidents and possible attacks.''
When asked, ''if those turn into a war scenerio that could delay November 3 elections, will you call for postponement of elections,'' Ecevit said, ''we would not like to give up elections. I sincerely don't want the things reach at this stage. There is a very short time for elections. I don't think that any incident will erupt or any operation will take place during this time.''
When asked what he would feel if he meets the ruling of Justice and Development Party (AK Party) on its own, Ecevit said, ''I will not give up politics.''
Noting that he earlier expressed the uneasiness he felt over the possibility of AK Party's coming to ruling with high votes, Ecevit said, ''while stating this, I also defended that measures contradicting with democracy should not be taken, and that parties should not be closed without thinking.''
Responding to a question which said, ''where can be the solution in case parliament can not adequately represent politics in Turkey after November 3 elections? Do you think Turkey should go to a new election?'' Ecevit said, ''it should be searched among democratic methods. If AK Party covers an attitude in line with the Parliament, I will be the first one congratulating them. However, we should see this in implementation. I have concerns in this respect. For example, we could not yet learn what AK Party would do on which issues when it comes to ruling. Almost every party said many things right or wrong. AK Party did not say anything. This creates suspicion.''
When asked whether or not he has expectations that the EU would set a date for Turkey to start full membership negotiations, Ecevit said some European countries have feelings, that are not very good, for Turkey. Noting that those were unjust views, Ecevit said, ''I think Turkey is an indispensable country for Europe in very sensitive regions the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean. European countries can not limit themselves with Europe any more. Their extending toward the east is indispensable. They can get the biggest support only from Turkey in this respect. To this end, I don't think they will further prolong this.''
Responding to another question Ecevit said he earlier wanted to give the message that life span of Democratic Left Party (DSP) did not depend on the life span of Bulent Ecevit.
Ecevit said DSP had an extremely strong structure and a consistent party, noting that, ''relying on myself, relying on our people more, and relying on our party members I believe that DSP will stay at the ruling, and that this is necessary for Turkey. As I don't want anything for myself, I earlier said I may leave my post after coming elections. I thrust on DSP. I believe that they may administer Turkey without me.''
When asked whether or not he would indicate anybody instead of him after elections, Ecevit said, ''no. I believe that my party will not need this. Everybody knows each other. We will do our best to help our friends. However, we will not appoint anybody instead of us. I think we will not need this.''
turkishpress.com
-- Carl
P.S. Turkey has been repeatedly threatening to "intervene" if the Kurds show signs of independence in Iraq. If Bush #41 uses the Kurds as a freedom fighting force, the threat is that this could drag Turkey into the war but against the US. I don't think that's realistic, but it could definitely put some strains on US / Turkish, and probably also on Israeli / Turkish relations. |
