Gul: This War Should Be Limited With Iraq

When Gul was reminded the accusations of the United States against Syria, he underlined that war should be limited with Iraq and should not spread to other regional countries.

Stating that there was uneasiness in the whole region pertaining to the issue, Gul said, ”there were several views earlier regarded with the issue. Those should be denied.”

Gul stated that war should be limited only with Iraq, and that stability should be installed soon in the region, noting that all the countries in the region should do their best in this respect. Gul said, ”all the region is tired enough. So, peace should prevail soon.”

Gul said everything should be done to provide stability soon, noting that, ”we should not allow new tensions and clashes. Everybody should act in this way, and help the region to relax. Any development which would disturb the region should not be given opportunity. As Turkey, we are one of the essential elements, we suffer loss from clashes. Syria and Iran are our neighbors and we are exerting efforts to keep our relations with the neighbors in the highest level. Everybody, including Israel, will serve to provide stability in the region.”

Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Shalom accused Syria and defended that this country had been allowing activities of terrorist organizations.

Noting that they had never wanted to become a part of the war, Shalom claimed that there had been relations between Damascus government and the terrorist organization Hezbollah.

Shalom also claimed that the Damascus Airport was an important center of dispatch.

Stressing that Israel had not played a role in the Iraq war, Shalom said, ”statements claiming that Israel has played a role in the war, were made for propaganda purposes. Those, who made such statements, were trying to give messages to their own peoples and the Arab world. They were trying to explain why they allowed Iraqi officials to flee into their countries.”

”We are aware of Syria’s role in increasing activities of terrorist organizations. However, they do not do anything to prevent these activities. On the contrary, they encourage these terrorist organizations. These organizations have been continuing their activities in Syria. It has to come to an end. We have a joint border with Syria. Of course, we want peace with this country. If Damascus takes a positive step, a new atmosphere will be created,” he emphasized.

Responding a question, Shalom said that they would not undertake any role in rebuilding process of Iraq. He added that they were, however, ready to provide Iraqi people with humanitarian aid.

”We are not the people who will rebuild Iraq. There are already many people who want to do this. The coalition forces and the United Nations will take a decision to this end. However, we will be pleased with providing humanitarian aid,” he added.

GUL: WE ARE READY TO MAKE ANY CONTRIBUTION TO SETTLE PEACE

When asked whether or not Turkey would undertake a role in the new road map, which was planned for the Middle East, Gul said, ”Turkey is ready to make any contribution to settle peace in the Middle East. Turkey is one of the rare countries having good relations with both sides. Therefore, we are ready to make any contribution to settle peace.”

Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Shalom said that the new road map in question would be brought onto agenda after approval of Palestinian administration.

He stressed that a commission would be formed and this commission would determine countries and organizations, which would undertake roles in the road map.

Highlighting importance of resumption of negotiations with Palestinian side, Shalom said that Turkey had assisted them in the past.

Shalom stressed that they had always considered Turkey a friendly country.

Noting that the European Union (EU) was a part of the road map, Shalom said that Turkey might undertake a role because it would become a member of the EU in the future.

Gul said bilateral and regional issues were discussed during his meeting with Shalom.

Stating that bilateral relations between Turkey and Israel improved in many fields, Gul pointed out that Turkey and Israel were the two democratic countries, and that joint ventures, relations between businessmen, tourism, Manavgat Water project, and commercial issues were reviewed during the meeting.

Gul said they also discussed regional issues, and that they expressed pleasure over ending of war in Iraq. Gul said they stated that a new order should be settled soon and that democratic structure in Iraq should be formed in a way that would reflect the population in the best way.

Gul said, ”we have reviewed that preservation of Iraq’s territorial integrity was very important and a condition.”

Shalom said the visit showed the importance they attributed to Turkey, noting that those two countries shared the same values and were face to face with joint difficulties.

Shalom said they wanted to create a better region following war in Iraq, and added that Israel wanted to live in peace with its neighbors.

Pointing out that ongoing reforms in Palestine were very important, Shalom said in case the new prime minister fights against terrorism, removes basis of those organizations, and lifts hatred in radio and televisions, it would see Israel as a real partner. Shalom said they were so serious to take step toward peace.