(TurkishPress) - Regarding U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Ross Wilson's statement on a possible cross-border operation, Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, ''Mr. Ambassador or ambassadors cannot make a decision on such a matter. Concerned institutions of Turkish government make such a decision. We give our decision and do it.''
Erdogan attended the General Assembly Meeting of the Foreign Economic Relations Council (DEIK) at the Ceylan Hotel of Istanbul on Tuesday, reports Trend.
Replying to a question on discussions regarding a cross-border operation, he said that Turkish Justice Minister and Government Spokesman Cemil Cicek made necessary statements on the issue.
Recalling that Anti-Terrorism Supreme Board convened at highest level before the meeting of Council of Ministers and held necessary talks, Erdogan noted, ''we never gave up our struggle against terrorism in our country. But its tactics and strategies can change. It is not a short-term fight, but a long one. We will do what is required in this long-term fight. Turkish security units are continuing their efforts on the matter and they will continue to do so. It is not possible for us to remain spectator to factors threatening tranquility of the country.''
''No institution or no organization can say that the government and security units stand idle regarding fight terrorism,'' he underlined.
Asked whether it is time to take action, Erdogan stated that security teams did not stand outside the action. -WILSON'S STATEMENT-
According to some news reports in today's dailies, Wilson said that Turkey should not act in a unilateral manner replying to a question on a possible cross-border operation.
Noting that he has read these news reports, Erdogan stated, ''if it is true, it is a wrong statement. Mr. Ambassador or ambassadors cannot make a decision on such a matter. Concerned institutions of the Turkish government make such a decision. We give our decisions and put them into practice. But if there are any related country, we also wish to make such a decision together with these countries.''
Asked whether he had talks with U.S. President George Bush on the issue, Erdogan said, ''yes we did and we are holding talks.''