Basbug reacted implicitly to the definition of Turkey as “an Islam Republic” by some countries, saying that, “Turkey is a laic, democratic and social state of law. The countries which did not undergo a secular process can not attain a democratic structure easily.”
Mentioning the Great Mideast Project (BOP) of U.S., Basbug said that there were two reasons which led to BOP, which namely included ; to eliminate the reasons which cause terrorism and to provide security to the energy resources in the region.
Basbug responded to the critics that the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) were against the European Union and recalled that TSK was a symbol of civilization and progress.
CYPRUS ISSUE
On the Cyprus issue, Basbug said that the strategic importance of Cyprus increased, upon the developments in the Middle East and East Mediterranean. He said that the reason of the disagreement on Cyprus was not the Turkish side. “From now on, the Cyprus issue should not be regarded as an obstacle for Turkey’s membership to the EU,” he said.
Basbug said on the Aegean issue that Turkey’s concession on legal and vital interests as to the international utilization of sea and air regions, security requirements, transportation and natural sources, was out of question.
NORTHERN IRAQ
Basbug said that the activities of the separatist terror organization was underway in Northern Iraq, without clarifying the name PKK. He said; “As long as the activities of the terror organization continued, TSK forces will remain in the relevant region because this is a requirement of the security of Turkey.”
