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26 May 2012

Turkey Considers Six-point Plan of Annan Last Chance

Turkish President Abdullah Gul said that the six-point peace plan by UN-Arab League Special Envoy to Syria Kofi Annan was a last chance for the orderly transformation of Syria.

During his visit to Chicago for NATO Summit, President Gul replied to questions by Christiane Amanpour on CNN International.

In regard to the situation in Syria, Gul said, "We just wish to see people over there happy and prosperous. So we think that six-point Annan plan is a last chance for the orderly transformation of Syria. So that for we wish that this plan should be fully implemented. If it is not then unfortunately the problems will get even worse over there."

When Amanpour said, "It's not actually being implemented right now. Many, many more people are being killed," Gul said, "You are right."

Amanpour said, "So my question is how much longer, how many more deaths, how much longer do you think it'll take for Turkey to intervene or to persuade the rest of the world to intervene-" Gul said, "Well, it's a financial issue. That's why it has been taken in the U.N. Security Council and we have to be altogether and they think we should support legitimate right of the people and all of us, we have to stand behind the people's demand."

She said, "You know, Turkey talked about humanitarian corridors, buffer zones, all of those kinds of things. There's been a lot of talk from Turkey, but no real action in this regard. Are you waiting for something- Do you have to see the United States take the lead- What is it that you need before you can act-" President Gul said, "Well, I think United States is the most important country. They should engage more in this issue and we have to very closely follow the implementation of the Annan plan fully. Therefore, we need more observers. This 300 is not enough. In fact, there should be several thousands over there."

Amanpour asked, "Are you trying to persuade Iran to try to talk to President Assad and convince him to step down-" Gul said, "Well, we are telling them that they should not keep the eyes blind, what's happening in Syria, because every day, many people are being killed and so far, even since the cease-fire is declared, more than 1,500 people lost their lives. So Iran should not carry the burden of this. So we are telling them that you should not support that. I think there is no any way that President Assad can lead the country any more."

Replying to a question on a resolution, Gul said, "Well, then of course the people of Syria, they will decide for this at the international committee will support them and will stand with them."

Upon a question on Turkey's relations with Israel, Gul said, "Well, you know, it was not our preferences and it was not because of us that the relationship deteriorated. So it's up to Israel. If the Israeli government, they want to correct, they pay some attention on the relationship with Turkey, they have to take some steps, which is known very well by them."

President Gul said Israel attacked the international humanitarian aid convoy and they killed nine people, stating that Turkey's legitimate demand was to get the apology and compensation.

Replying to a question on talks regarding nuclear program of Iran, Gul said, "The last meeting was held in Istanbul and it made some progress. There was a good climate at the both sides. They listened to each other and they understand after long time and they decided to go further. And I hope they will take some further step, because there is no alternative than the political solution of this problem."

Amanpour said, "And do you think the U.S. and its partners should allow Iran to continue enrichment or what- Or should it do what Israel wants, which says no enrichment, even for peaceful purposes- Gul said, "Well, I think it's their right, if it is peaceful and if it is transparent enough then it's their right, of course."

Asked what could be told the military in Egypt that it should leave the power, Gul said, "Well, the military is well aware that they cannot continue forever. I went to Egypt. I met with military officials and they know that it is not their job to run the country. They are going to hand over the authority to the civilians governments but I think it needs some time. They will have the election and then there will be authority there. So I think the Egyptian army is ready to hand over the authority when the time is proper."

Asked "do you really want to join the European Union, when you see the trouble that it has right now-" Gul said, "We are the part of the European custom union for 16 years. And we are negotiating country with the EU and we want to make progress in the process and we expect more reasonable understanding from our friends in Europe. The economic outlook in many countries in Europe is not good. We have a sound economy. Our cooperation will be helpful."

When she said, "So do you expect that now that President Sarkozy is gone and President Hollande is there that you will have a fairer, warmer hearing-"Gul said, "I think so. President Hollande is very reasonable and he has a very wide view. I hope the things will move smoothly."