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TIES WITH ISRAEL CONTINUE TO BE BASED ON MUTUAL INTERESTS - TURKISH PM
Sabah
Feb 15 2009
Turkey
[Interview with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan by "three
journalists" in column by Erdal Safak: "Davos Is History Rather Than
Election Material"; date and place not specified]
We had an opportunity to interview Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan
on current issues upon his return from his tour of Sivas. Three
journalists, we asked everything we thought was important and Erdogan
answered them elaborately.
"Everywhere you go, you are greeted as 'the conqueror of Davos,'
but you try not to broach this issue in your speeches. Why?"
Answer: "That would be exploitation."
"Have Turkish-Israeli relations been ruined after your outburst in
Davos, as some have claimed?"
Answer: "Those who leave the table in fury return with losses. Our
relations continue based on mutual interests."
"Might Davos endanger cooperation with Israel in defence industry?"
Answer: "The General Staff has issued the necessary statements."
"Are the two new conditions the IMF introduced just when negotiations
were about to be concluded related to Davos?"
Answer: "Certainly not. Those conditions were conveyed to us before
Davos."
Below are Erdogan's comments on all hot topics, from Davos to Israel
and from Ergenekon to the effects of the economic crisis.
Davos, Turkey's Power
[Question] In your election tours, you are greeted with placards
saying "Welcome, conqueror of Davos," but you have not broached this
subject in your speeches. Is this because you want to prevent the
opposition from levelling criticisms that you "are using Davos as
election material," or is it driven by your sense of ethics?
[Erdogan] In Davos, I did what I had to do as the prime minister
of the Turkish Republic. Mr Peres's posture was unbecoming for a
president. I maintained my calm even as he raised his voice at me and
I described the truth in a normal tone. I did what I had to do when
the moderator overstepped the bounds of proper conduct and started
using his arms and hands. This was a stand for which my nation had
been waiting and yearning for years. I was delighted with the welcome
I received from tens of thousands of people at Ataturk Airport on my
return home because it expressed the sensitivity of the people and
boosted my hopes for the future. However, going beyond that would be
exploitation. I would not sell that. History will write the rest.
[Question] Has your outburst in Davos diminished Turkey's diplomatic
power? Has it made your mediation initiatives more difficult?
[Erdogan] On the contrary. Turkey's power must be perceived
correctly. Until now there was a lack of awareness of our power that
comes from the past. We have made everyone sense that. We made the EU
sense it by starting full accession talks. Turkey's election to the
UN Security Council as a nonpermanent member with the votes of 151
countries in the first round of voting in the UN General Assembly is
another sign of this. We brokered talks between Pakistan and Israel
during the tenure of Gen Pervez Musharraf. We helped the completion
of the first four rounds peace talks between Syria and Israel. We
worked for peace between Palestinian factions. These, together with
our initiatives during the South Ossetia crisis, the Caucasus Stability
and Cooperation Platform, the talks we initiated to improve relations
with Armenia, our support for work to find a solution to the Nagorno
Karabakh problem between Azerbaijan and Armenia, our contributions to
the establishment of peace and stability in Iraq, Turkey's assumption
of the Secretariat General of the Organization of Islamic Conference,
its re-election to this office for a second four-year term after
completing its first term successfully, and the steps we have taken
with respect to the KKTC [Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus]
are all the results of "our power being felt." [KKTC President]
Mehmet Ali Talat gained official acceptance in the international
community during our tenure. He was received with the protocol of a
head of state in Pakistan, Europe, and Gulf countries because of our
policies. The KKTC opened diplomatic missions in numerous countries
during our tenure. (Note: The current number is 19 and this will rise
to 28 by the end of the year.)
State of Relations With Israel
[Question] Has you outburst in Davos had a negative effect on Turkey's
relations with Israel? Could it have such an effect in the future?
[Erdogan] Our relations with Israel continue based on mutual
interests. Those who leave the table in fury return to it with
losses. Some have suggested that we end Israeli training flights
in Konya. The truth is that not just Israel but ten countries
pay to receive flight training in Konya. Indeed, our General
Staff also announced that relations with Israel will continue in
accordance with Turkey's interests. Military contracts and orders
also remain in force. There are many agreements with Israel, old
and new. These all remain in force. We have to be very careful in
interstate relations. The Israeli state and the Israeli people are
separate issues. I always say that anti-Semitism is a crime against
humanity. The Jews must similarly say that Islamophobia is a crime
against humanity. I also think that the Israeli government must
review its position with respect to Palestine. Embargoes must be
lifted with the ceasefire. The Palestinians must no longer be allowed
to live in open-air prisons. [Israel] must comply with UN Security
Council resolutions, the Geneva Conventions, the Convention on Human
Rights, and other international agreements on this issue. Statements
made before the election in Israel have unfortunately created
disappointment. Such statements overshadow the concept of peace. On
this point, important duties are incumbent upon the United States. I
will make an appeal for peace in the Middle East at my first meeting
with President Obama. Obama must give priority to this issue; he
must become the voice of the silent masses and the guardian of the
unprotected.
Mediation in Middle East
[Question] The Israeli press has charged that you appear to be siding
with Hamas and that, consequently, Turkey cannot act as a mediator.
[Erdogan] Let me make a correction. We did not ask to be mediators. We
took on this responsibility because both sides, that is both
Syria and Israel, wanted this. We received the same request for
the Pakistani-Israeli talks. We are not too eager to do this; nor
are we trying to derive duties from the situation. We see that the
current course in the Middle East is upsetting for all the peoples
of the region. We stand on the side of the righteous. We are not
prejudiced but we will of course stand with those who are showered with
bombs. This is what happened in Gaza. Politics cannot be conducted
on the basis of actions that are not rooted in righteousness. I am
prepared to produce evidence for all these wrong and unjust actions.
[Question] Are positive developments possible in the new period that
has opened after the elections?
[Erdogan] The election in Israel has unfortunately created a very
negative picture. I think that a government crisis is at issue. As you
know, Tzipi Livni could not form a government before the election,
after Ehud Olmert resigned. She is not in a better position to do
so after the election. I cannot see how she can form a coalition
with anyone. This is of course their problem, but politics is not
just numbers.
Preparations for G-20 Summit
[Question] Members of the G-20, from the United States to France,
are drafting serious proposals for the summit of that organization in
London on 2 April. The proposals are aimed at reforming the world's
economic and financial system. Is Turkey making any preparations
on this issue? Will it disclose its proposals to the public before
the summit?
[Erdogan] Our colleagues are making the necessary preparations with
the leadership of Minister of State Mehmet Simsek. They are hearing
the views and proposals of all relevant parties. We will evaluate all
these. If it is necessary to disclose our proposals to the public,
we will disclose them when the time comes.
[Question] What is your assessment of developments related to the
Ergenekon investigation?
[Erdogan] We are not the judiciary. We are part of the legislative
branch and we are performing executive functions assigned to us by
the legislative branch. I cannot comment on issues that are within
the purview of the judiciary branch. Our responsibility is only to
assist the judiciary. If they have any requests, we will comply with
them. The judiciary has to answer questions on whether the case is
moving too slowly or too fast.
Economic Crisis, IMF
[Question] Do you favour signing a possible agreement with the IMF
before the [local] elections, or do you prefer to postpone it until
after the elections?
[Erdogan] We prefer to conclude it before the elections. In my meeting
with IMF First Deputy Managing Director John Lipsky, I asked for a
quick decision. He said that he will work on it. It would be better
for us if this is concluded before the elections, but it would be no
disaster if it happens after the elections.
[Question] What is your forecast for [Turkey's] growth rate this year?
[Erdogan] Our target is 4 per cent. It may fall below that, we may be
able to hit 4 per cent, or it may go above it. Growth forecasts are
never certain, they are just targets. The Central Bank may forecast
zero growth. In the past, [the Central Bank] forecast 5 per cent,
we forecast 9 per cent, and the actual growth rate came in at 7.9
per cent. We have grown continuously in the last 27 quarters at an
average rate of 6.9 per cent.
[Question] Do you have any forecasts about when the economy may begin
to recover?
[Erdogan] Production may continue to decline for some time. I expect
growth to resume after the sixth month, but one year is also possible.
[Question] The IMF introduced two additional conditions just when we
thought that negotiations were concluded. Some circles attributed this
to your outburst at Davos and the ethnic roots of the IMF president
[as published]. What do you think about this?
[Erdogan] It is absolutely wrong. The IMF told us about its two new
conditions before we went to Davos. As you might recall, I made an
announcement to the effect that "new items are introduced by the
IMF every day" as I was about to depart for Davos. I conveyed our
reaction regarding these items to Lipsky in Davos, and he replied
that they will reconsider them. This issue has nothing to do with
the leadership of IMF.
Sabah
Feb 15 2009
Turkey
[Interview with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan by "three
journalists" in column by Erdal Safak: "Davos Is History Rather Than
Election Material"; date and place not specified]
We had an opportunity to interview Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan
on current issues upon his return from his tour of Sivas. Three
journalists, we asked everything we thought was important and Erdogan
answered them elaborately.
"Everywhere you go, you are greeted as 'the conqueror of Davos,'
but you try not to broach this issue in your speeches. Why?"
Answer: "That would be exploitation."
"Have Turkish-Israeli relations been ruined after your outburst in
Davos, as some have claimed?"
Answer: "Those who leave the table in fury return with losses. Our
relations continue based on mutual interests."
"Might Davos endanger cooperation with Israel in defence industry?"
Answer: "The General Staff has issued the necessary statements."
"Are the two new conditions the IMF introduced just when negotiations
were about to be concluded related to Davos?"
Answer: "Certainly not. Those conditions were conveyed to us before
Davos."
Below are Erdogan's comments on all hot topics, from Davos to Israel
and from Ergenekon to the effects of the economic crisis.
Davos, Turkey's Power
[Question] In your election tours, you are greeted with placards
saying "Welcome, conqueror of Davos," but you have not broached this
subject in your speeches. Is this because you want to prevent the
opposition from levelling criticisms that you "are using Davos as
election material," or is it driven by your sense of ethics?
[Erdogan] In Davos, I did what I had to do as the prime minister
of the Turkish Republic. Mr Peres's posture was unbecoming for a
president. I maintained my calm even as he raised his voice at me and
I described the truth in a normal tone. I did what I had to do when
the moderator overstepped the bounds of proper conduct and started
using his arms and hands. This was a stand for which my nation had
been waiting and yearning for years. I was delighted with the welcome
I received from tens of thousands of people at Ataturk Airport on my
return home because it expressed the sensitivity of the people and
boosted my hopes for the future. However, going beyond that would be
exploitation. I would not sell that. History will write the rest.
[Question] Has your outburst in Davos diminished Turkey's diplomatic
power? Has it made your mediation initiatives more difficult?
[Erdogan] On the contrary. Turkey's power must be perceived
correctly. Until now there was a lack of awareness of our power that
comes from the past. We have made everyone sense that. We made the EU
sense it by starting full accession talks. Turkey's election to the
UN Security Council as a nonpermanent member with the votes of 151
countries in the first round of voting in the UN General Assembly is
another sign of this. We brokered talks between Pakistan and Israel
during the tenure of Gen Pervez Musharraf. We helped the completion
of the first four rounds peace talks between Syria and Israel. We
worked for peace between Palestinian factions. These, together with
our initiatives during the South Ossetia crisis, the Caucasus Stability
and Cooperation Platform, the talks we initiated to improve relations
with Armenia, our support for work to find a solution to the Nagorno
Karabakh problem between Azerbaijan and Armenia, our contributions to
the establishment of peace and stability in Iraq, Turkey's assumption
of the Secretariat General of the Organization of Islamic Conference,
its re-election to this office for a second four-year term after
completing its first term successfully, and the steps we have taken
with respect to the KKTC [Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus]
are all the results of "our power being felt." [KKTC President]
Mehmet Ali Talat gained official acceptance in the international
community during our tenure. He was received with the protocol of a
head of state in Pakistan, Europe, and Gulf countries because of our
policies. The KKTC opened diplomatic missions in numerous countries
during our tenure. (Note: The current number is 19 and this will rise
to 28 by the end of the year.)
State of Relations With Israel
[Question] Has you outburst in Davos had a negative effect on Turkey's
relations with Israel? Could it have such an effect in the future?
[Erdogan] Our relations with Israel continue based on mutual
interests. Those who leave the table in fury return to it with
losses. Some have suggested that we end Israeli training flights
in Konya. The truth is that not just Israel but ten countries
pay to receive flight training in Konya. Indeed, our General
Staff also announced that relations with Israel will continue in
accordance with Turkey's interests. Military contracts and orders
also remain in force. There are many agreements with Israel, old
and new. These all remain in force. We have to be very careful in
interstate relations. The Israeli state and the Israeli people are
separate issues. I always say that anti-Semitism is a crime against
humanity. The Jews must similarly say that Islamophobia is a crime
against humanity. I also think that the Israeli government must
review its position with respect to Palestine. Embargoes must be
lifted with the ceasefire. The Palestinians must no longer be allowed
to live in open-air prisons. [Israel] must comply with UN Security
Council resolutions, the Geneva Conventions, the Convention on Human
Rights, and other international agreements on this issue. Statements
made before the election in Israel have unfortunately created
disappointment. Such statements overshadow the concept of peace. On
this point, important duties are incumbent upon the United States. I
will make an appeal for peace in the Middle East at my first meeting
with President Obama. Obama must give priority to this issue; he
must become the voice of the silent masses and the guardian of the
unprotected.
Mediation in Middle East
[Question] The Israeli press has charged that you appear to be siding
with Hamas and that, consequently, Turkey cannot act as a mediator.
[Erdogan] Let me make a correction. We did not ask to be mediators. We
took on this responsibility because both sides, that is both
Syria and Israel, wanted this. We received the same request for
the Pakistani-Israeli talks. We are not too eager to do this; nor
are we trying to derive duties from the situation. We see that the
current course in the Middle East is upsetting for all the peoples
of the region. We stand on the side of the righteous. We are not
prejudiced but we will of course stand with those who are showered with
bombs. This is what happened in Gaza. Politics cannot be conducted
on the basis of actions that are not rooted in righteousness. I am
prepared to produce evidence for all these wrong and unjust actions.
[Question] Are positive developments possible in the new period that
has opened after the elections?
[Erdogan] The election in Israel has unfortunately created a very
negative picture. I think that a government crisis is at issue. As you
know, Tzipi Livni could not form a government before the election,
after Ehud Olmert resigned. She is not in a better position to do
so after the election. I cannot see how she can form a coalition
with anyone. This is of course their problem, but politics is not
just numbers.
Preparations for G-20 Summit
[Question] Members of the G-20, from the United States to France,
are drafting serious proposals for the summit of that organization in
London on 2 April. The proposals are aimed at reforming the world's
economic and financial system. Is Turkey making any preparations
on this issue? Will it disclose its proposals to the public before
the summit?
[Erdogan] Our colleagues are making the necessary preparations with
the leadership of Minister of State Mehmet Simsek. They are hearing
the views and proposals of all relevant parties. We will evaluate all
these. If it is necessary to disclose our proposals to the public,
we will disclose them when the time comes.
[Question] What is your assessment of developments related to the
Ergenekon investigation?
[Erdogan] We are not the judiciary. We are part of the legislative
branch and we are performing executive functions assigned to us by
the legislative branch. I cannot comment on issues that are within
the purview of the judiciary branch. Our responsibility is only to
assist the judiciary. If they have any requests, we will comply with
them. The judiciary has to answer questions on whether the case is
moving too slowly or too fast.
Economic Crisis, IMF
[Question] Do you favour signing a possible agreement with the IMF
before the [local] elections, or do you prefer to postpone it until
after the elections?
[Erdogan] We prefer to conclude it before the elections. In my meeting
with IMF First Deputy Managing Director John Lipsky, I asked for a
quick decision. He said that he will work on it. It would be better
for us if this is concluded before the elections, but it would be no
disaster if it happens after the elections.
[Question] What is your forecast for [Turkey's] growth rate this year?
[Erdogan] Our target is 4 per cent. It may fall below that, we may be
able to hit 4 per cent, or it may go above it. Growth forecasts are
never certain, they are just targets. The Central Bank may forecast
zero growth. In the past, [the Central Bank] forecast 5 per cent,
we forecast 9 per cent, and the actual growth rate came in at 7.9
per cent. We have grown continuously in the last 27 quarters at an
average rate of 6.9 per cent.
[Question] Do you have any forecasts about when the economy may begin
to recover?
[Erdogan] Production may continue to decline for some time. I expect
growth to resume after the sixth month, but one year is also possible.
[Question] The IMF introduced two additional conditions just when we
thought that negotiations were concluded. Some circles attributed this
to your outburst at Davos and the ethnic roots of the IMF president
[as published]. What do you think about this?
[Erdogan] It is absolutely wrong. The IMF told us about its two new
conditions before we went to Davos. As you might recall, I made an
announcement to the effect that "new items are introduced by the
IMF every day" as I was about to depart for Davos. I conveyed our
reaction regarding these items to Lipsky in Davos, and he replied
that they will reconsider them. This issue has nothing to do with
the leadership of IMF.