Evaluations on Current Affairs from President Gül

President Abdullah Gül responded to queries from the press as to the current affairs following the joint press conference he held with President Andris Berzins of Latvia.

Question: Mr. President, the draft law about the National Intelligence Organization (MİT) is in the Parliament. There are two main objections to it. One is that it is claimed to provide MİT personnel with immunity shield. The other is that it is against the basic rights and freedoms that the MİT can reach any information from both the private and state institutions through this law. What do you think about that, sir?Secondly, are you involved in the small changes made in this draft law at the Parliament? Lastly, when will you decide whether you will run for a second term in office? If you decide not to stand for president again, will you be back on the political scene?

President Gül: “I’m closely following the draft law about the MİT of course. I have sent for the relevant Minister and the MİT Undersecretary with whom I have discussed this issue as I do with other officials regarding other laws. It is natural that such laws generate discussions. In the last instance, the final decision will be made by the Parliament. As for my candidacy for president, we haven’t discussed it with the Prime Minister yet. There might be other candidates for president of course, and it is the people who will decide who will be the next president. No one is saying ‘I will definitely be the one’.”

Q: Mr. President, do you believe that the existence of NATO in Poland and the Baltic states must be further extended in the face of the aggressive stances the Russian Federation has adopted recently?What sanctions can be taken against Russia?What approaches should be adopted according to the developments that could be seen in the region?The current situation in the Black Sea is of great importance. Could you please share your views on these issues, sir? Thank you.

President Gül: “It is the stability in the region that we attach utmost importance to, first of all. During our talks, we have underscored our alliance in NATO, where we must demonstrate our solidarity indeed. The discussions and studies carried out by the military and state officials as part of this issue are all toward the settlement of problems through dialogue and within the framework of international law. I hope that international law is never ignored and that countries’ territorial integrity and sovereignty that are recognized by the UN are never violated. On the other hand, the Russian Federation is one of the most important countries in that region and it has been in interactions with the regional countries throughout history. We care very much about resolutions through diplomacy and dialogue before problems grow further. Therefore, we are in a close consultation with both our allies and Russia.”

Q: Mr. President, Turkey and Latvia have a priority to connect to the Black Sea through Ukraine. Do you believe that the ongoing events in Ukraine could have a negative influence upon this route linking your these countries to the Baltic region?

President Gül: “There is a communications line reaching the Black Sea via Minsk, Ukraine. This is called the Zubr container train if I remember correctly. Our Ministers of Transportation have discussed the same issue as well. I hope that no setback happens in this regard.”

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