ANKARA
Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay said, "The release should be considered as a show of good will. They are not issues to be bargained during the solution process" in regards to initiative carried out for the release of civil servants kidnapped by the terrorist PKK.
Atalay met with UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres in Ankara.
Atalay stated that the reason for the visit of Guterres was the issue of Syrian refugees and stated that they were pleased with the visit and said, "The situation of Syrians is an issue facing the international community, it is not the problem of Turkey alone."
Stating that it has been nearly two years since the internal conflict in Syria began, Atalay said, "This is a long process. There are people who were born or have died in the camps. We are trying to provide the best living conditions for the Syrians in camps. However, the international community including the UN needs to be more sensitive to the Syria issue. At the moment, Turkey is alone in carrying the burden of Syrians. The political and complete resolution can only take place once he UN Security Council gets involved. There has been an ongoing tragedy for two years now and the UN is stuck at making decisions or moves to resolve the issue."
Upon being reminded of criticisms of the opposition parties in regards to the initiatives for the release of kidnapped civil servants, Atalay said, "As you all know we have not bargained for the release. The release should be considered as a show of good will. They are not issues to be bargained during the resolution process."
Atalay stated that a delegation headed by a deputy undersecretary from the Turkish Interior Ministry have crossed the border to meet the civil servants and are expected to complete their duty soon.
"We are carrying out the talks to resolve the Kurdish issue meticulously, avoiding statements and attitude that could damage the talks. The talks for peace are going well. There is country-wide support for the talks and terrorism to come to an end in Turkey," the minister said.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres praised Turkey for hosting large numbers of Syrian refugees in Turkey and said, "We praise the hospitality of Turkey in the international arena repeatedly. We are facing a tragedy which is to complete its second year. The issue can't be resolved with aid, those responsible politically should take on the duty to do whatever is necessary to end the tragedy. This is not only a tragedy of the Syrians but also a threat to the peace, stability and security of the region."
