Erdogan: Different Beliefs Freely Practiced
Answering questions of members of Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Erdogan said that all Christians and Jews could perform their religious ceremonies in Orthodox and Catholic churches, and synagogues, and noted that nobody could claim that religious ceremonies were obstructed in Turkey.
EU progress report
When one of the parliamentarians said that today was an historic day for Turkey and Europe, Erdogan said, "yes, it is. We hope that our expectations will be met."
A civilization is collapsing
Asked about his views about developments in Iraq and Iran's nuclear policy, Erdogan pointed out that there was a problematic situation in Iraq at the moment, and noted that Turkey was not pleased with the developments in Iraq.
Erdogan said, "every day, we hear about death of people. Children, women and innocent people are being killed. And, a civilization is collapsing as these people die. And, we are uneasy about Iraq's future. There will be elections in Iraq at the end of this year. We have said that we are ready to extend every kind of assistance, provided that Iraqi people will be administered by people chosen among themselves, and that they can assure their own security. And, provided that coalition forces withdraw from there. When Iraq overcomes these problems, we will feel relieved. But, there is a different understanding in north of Iraq. We say that we are against the fact that one ethnic group dominates others in Iraq. None of ethnic groups should have the right or authority to dominate others. If such a development occurs, this will damage Iraq's territorial integrity."
"Turkey supports Iraq's territorial integrity, and defends that ground and underground resources belong to all Iraqi people. If Kurds make Kirkuk their shelter and act with the mentality that 'we will seize oil there', this will cause a serious problem for Iraq's future."
Nuclear energy is dangerous if used as threat against humanity
Erdogan said that he saw that nuclear energy was used to meet energy demand of people when he visited Iran, and noted, "if you use nuclear energy for sake of people, it is beneficial. But, if you use it as a threat against humanity, it is dangerous." (BRC-MS) (YE)