Turkey's Erdogan says to talk China violence with G8 leaders

Turkey's Erdogan says to talk China violence with G8 leaders
Turkey's Erdogan said "I will discuss the issue with leaders of the the G-8 countries including the United States.
Thursday, 09 July 2009 15:41
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that they did not receive any proposals or requests about the issue of "seminary".

Prime Minister Erdogan left for Italy to attend the G-8 Summit in L'Aquila as the guest of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi of Italy.

He said at a news conference at the Ataturk Airport prior to his departure, "there aren not any proposals or requests about the issue of seminary. If we receive such a proposal or request, we assess it."

"Bargaining out of question"

Asked about the latest developments after a Turkish-flagged ship "Horizon-1" was kidnapped in the Gulf of Aden, Erdogan told reporters, "first of all, any bargaining is completely out of question. The ship anchored and our frigates positioned around it. For the time being, there is only silence. We have 23 crew members on board the ship and their well-being is of great importance. We cannot contact any of them yet. After contacting them, we will take all necessary steps."

"Atrocity"

Referring to the recent killings in East Turkistan, Erdogan said, "the Chinese ambassador in Ankara was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We told him that what was going on in Urumqi is nothing but atrocity. We stressed that it must be stopped as soon as possible."

"The president of China was scheduled to attend the G-8 Summit. He changed his program and decided not to participate. But I will discuss the issue with leaders of the the G-8 countries including the United States. We cannot remain silent against such an atrocity," he said.

When asked about news reports that Uighur activist Rebiya Kadeer wanted to come to Turkey, but could not get visa, Erdogan said, "I do not have any information about it. Whenever she applies us for visa, we will provide it."

Prime Minister Erdogan said, "global financial crisis, food safety, climate changes and efforts to lift restrictive measures in international trade will be on top of agenda of the G-8 Summit. Also, recent developments in the Middle East, Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran will be discussed. I will attend a meeting along with leaders of Britain, Italy, France, Germany, Denmark, Spain, the Netherlands, current president of the EU Sweden and the European Commission. I will also deliver a speech at a session on 'Global Food Safety'. I will also have bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the meeting."

State Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek are accompanying Prime Minister Erdogan.