Thursday, 15 October 2009Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said regarding cancellation of international part of "Anatolian Falcon" exercise that Turkey was a powerful country which made its own decisions by itself.
Prior to his departure for Iraq, Erdogan held a press conference at Esenboga Airport in Ankara on Thursday.
Answering a question on "Anatolian Falcon" exercise, Erdogan said, "I earlier made statements on the matter. Turkish Foreign Ministry also released a statement. We have to take into consideration demands of Turkish people. We said that the exercise should be performed with countries excluding Israel or it should be cancelled."
Replying to a question on seizure of assets of terrorist organization PKK leaders in the United States, Erdogan said, "drug smuggling is one of the major sources of income for terrorist organization. We are glad that the U.S. administration put it forth." Erdogan said terrorist organization also continued its illegal acts in Europe and European authorities should take measures against it.
Replying to another question, Erdogan said that joint efforts (of Turkey and Iraq) had been under way against terrorist organization PKK, and democratic move of the government would solve the matter.
In regard to his visit to Iraq, Erdogan said Turkish and Iraqi authorities would sign 44 memorandums of understanding on the areas of transportation, health, agriculture, energy, contracting and education on Thursday.
Erdogan said, "during our visit to Iraq, we will express our expectations on Iraqi government's concrete cooperation and support in regard to fight against terrorism."
In regard to his upcoming meeting with the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) chairman Deniz Baykal, Erdogan said, "I think that I will first talk with Baykal on the phone to discuss our meeting."
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Thursday, 15 October 2009
ANKARA (A.A)
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