BAGIS CALLS FOR COOPERATION AGAINST TERRORISM

Expressing his regrets due to the terrorist attack in Norway, Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis said: "Just as Europe considers those who organized attacks to Norway or those who caused bloody London or Madrid as terrorists, we consider the members of PKK as terrorists, too. Whatever Al Qaeda means to the U.S., PKK means the same to Turkey.

Bagis answered the questions of the journalists within this respect in Ankara and said: "All terrorists attacks killing the innocent people are not only national tragedies but also "global ones". I would like to extend my condolences to the people of Norway once more".

Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis stated that all allied countries, particularly the EU, should comprehend that only international cooperation could yield concrete results in combating terrorism.

Reminding that Turkey had been alone in its fight against the PKK which had killed about forty thousand people in Turkey over the past 30 years, Bagis remarked that TV channels which made the propaganda of the PKK could still broadcast in the European countries, that PKK could easily carry out its illegal activities throughout the European countries and that the terrorists of this organization could easily conduct and implement their dirty plans against Turkey.

Bagis said: "The EU cannot act as a safe port for the terrorist organization PKK anymore; otherwise it cannot pay the price of its attitude. We wish a real, concrete and resolute collaboration rather than statements for support such as agreements on paper and common promises."

Minister Bagis mentioned the suspension of the publication of the UN Commission of Inquiry Report on Mavi Marmara and continued his words as follows:

"9 people were killed in the international waters by Israel and this must be a matter of concern for the EU as much as Turkey. Therefore, not only Turkey but also the EU should demand Israel to apologize to Turkey and the EU should encourage Israel to do so. The EU kept silent about Mavi Marmara, so it is time to raise its voice for an apology. The reports proving that this crime was committed by Israel may be kept under wraps, but the demands of Turkey cannot be disregarded."

Source: AA