Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has met U.S. President Barack Obama as part of his visit to New York.***
NEW YORK - Adem Kadam-Ozlem Sahin Sakar -Mehmet Toroglu
Erdogan said at a news conference following the meeting, "the Israeli-Palestinian dispute was high on agenda of our meeting. They admitted our rightfulness about the attack on our ships in the international waters in eastern Mediterranean," Prime Minister Erdogan said at a press conference after his meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama.
"We also discussed the unmanned aerial vehicle Predators. They will try to resolve the issue of Predator," he said.
Referring to Turkey's fight against terrorism, Prime Minister Erdogan said, "we have handed over a list of demands about the fight against the PKK terrorist organization."
"I am not optimistic about ending the fight against terrorism. Actually, we are going to fight against terrorism together. There are steps to be taken by Turkey and the USA about technology and planning. Our cooperation in fight against terrorist organizations is continuing," he said.
"Recent visits to Egypt, Tunisia and Libya, our cooperation in Afghanistan, developments in Iraq are the steps taken by Turkey and the USA. I hope that the exemplary partnership between Turkey and the USA will continue," he added.
Obama defines Turkey and USA as two powerful partners
U.S. President Barack Obama offered condolences following killing of three people in Tuesday morning's blast in Turkish capital.
Referring to the blast in Ankara, President Obama told reporters at the start of the meeting, "this reminds us that terrorism exists in many parts of the world, and Turkey and the United States are going to be strong partners in preventing terrorism."
He said that Turkey and the United States were strong partners, adding that they would maintain their fight against terror as two powerful partners.
The president eulogized Erdogan's leadership and his commitments for democracy.
Oil drilling is nothing but sabotaging Cyprus negotiations
"The Greek Cypriot administration and Israel are doing a mad thing in Mediterranean. Actually, Greek Cypriot administration's drilling activity is nothing but sabotaging the negotiation process between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots. We are going to have a High-Level Strategic Cooperation Meeting with Greece soon. It is a step taken to sabotage the meeting," he said.
"Turkish Cypriot people also have rights in the Mediterranean. As a guarantor country, we will support them in their efforts to protect their rights. We can sign an agreement with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and begin gas and oil exploration activities. Our assault boats and frigates are already in the region," he said.
"We agreed that extending support to Somali people together will increase aid to those people suffering from famine," he said.
Israel's attitude is unacceptable
"The United States is aware of Turkey's rightfulness. I reminded President Obama the United Nations decisions. The International community did not put pressure on Israel. If Israel had been imposed some sanctions, we could have come to a different conclusion. For instance, we were able to talk to former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. Now, there is no chance to come together. They do not have such an intention. They indirectly made some demands and took several steps. But they did not make a formal apology. Israel's attitude is unacceptable," Erdogan said.
"I reiterated Turkey's determination to maintain its stance about Israel. Our relations will not back to normal unless Israel apologizes, pays compensation to relatives of the victims and lifts embargoes on Gaza," he said.
"I halted talks with Syria"
"Today, I attended a UN conference on Libya. Dictatorship has come to an end and democratic process has begun in Libya. We should assist Libyan people till everything backs to normal. Then we can withdraw from Libya. The United Nations is ready to extend support to Libyan people," he said.
Erdogan said, "Libya has some $170 billion in different countries. Under a decision, a part of those assets can be released. Because Libya will have to invest in its rebuilding process. Turkey will continue working together with Libya in this process."
"Syria was another topic we discussed. Syrian government has launched a dark propaganda against Turkey. It is really obnoxious. We do not have any confidence in the current government. I will visit the camp in the southern Turkish province of Hatay. I want to see the living conditions in the camps," he said.
Erdogan added, "I halted talks with the Syrian government. I did not want to come to this point. But the Syrian government entailed us to make such a decision."