COPENHAGEN – ”Psychological walls were destroyed after the Cold War came to an end. Despite some negative side-effects, globalization has also brought forth new opportunities,” Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday.
Addressing the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, PM Erdogan said, ”NATO Parliamentary Assembly is a significant platform reflecting views of public opinion in the vast Euro-Atlantic region. It is an indispensable forum of discussion about the issues of security, politics and economy. The Assembly made important contributions to the Alliance’s while it takes necessary measures against new risks and threats.”
”Psychological walls were destroyed after the Cold War came to an end. Despite some negative side-effects, globalization has also brought forth new opportunities. People in a huge geography realized values of the modern and free world. Consequently, the concept of ‘democratic control’ emerged in this new period. Pluralism and transparency will be the two basic principles in this period. Democratic control will help us to create a more prosperous and free world,” he said.
Referring to the issue of terrorism, Prime Minister Erdogan said, ”as a country which lost tens of thousands of its citizens in acts of terrorism in the last three decades, Turkey welcomes the Assembly’s bringing joint fight against terrorism onto its agenda after all those tragic events since 2001. I want to reiterate once again that full cooperation is required in fight against terrorism. Turkey is ready to support activities of NATO Parliamentary Assembly to this end.
Upon a question about Turkey-Armenia relations, Prime Minister Erdogan said, ”we have opened our air space to Armenian aircraft. Also, we have initiated cargo transportation from Yerevan to Istanbul. Also, our government has begun restoration efforts in the Armenian church in eastern city of Van. On the other hand, we have opened our archives to enlighten historical facts. We expect Armenia to display the same attitude. Genocide has never been a part of our history. It is a serious mistake to accuse a government, which had to relocate some of its people due to uprisings, of genocide.”
Replying to another question, Prime Minister Erdogan said, ”I believe that Turkey can undertake very important roles in development of democracy in Central Asia. In cooperation with the United Nations and NATO, we can speed up this process.”
Upon a question about recent statement of Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadi-Nejad who said that Israel should be erased from map, Prime Minister Erdogan said, ”we do not consider such statement fair. Turkey has been pursuing a foreign policy based on friendship. We believe that all problems can be resolved through dialogue.”
Referring to the issue of Heybeliada seminary, Prime Minister Erdogan said, ”the issue was politicized. We have to remove that politicization process mutually.”
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