Photo: Ambassador of Turkey S. Levent Sahinkaya

Q: Turkey and Libya have recently cancelled visa requirements on their citizens, a major step in strengthening bilateral relations, tell us about the current progress of these relations.

A: Turkey and Libya are two brotherly countries that have deeply rooted and priviliged relations. As an ambassador, I started to feel this from the beginning of my work here. Since I landed in to Tripoli Airport up to now, I have met a very warm welcome. I really feel at home in Libya.

We have a common history, the same religion and a similar culture. We have a shared geography as well. Turkey and Libya are the two two gateways of Mediterranean; one connecting it to Africa, the other tying it with the Black Sea, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. We have also a longstanding economic cooperation, as Turkish contractors contribute to the development efforts of Libya since the early years of September 1 Revolution.

Therefore, there is a great potential for further developing our relations, and elhamdülillah, our political, economic and cultural relations have gained momentum in recent years. Our trade volume grew significantly in the last couple of years and has reached 2.2 billion dollars in 2009. There are now currently more than 110 Turkish companies, mostly operating in contracting, are doing business in Libya. They took many projects that are important for the social and economic development of Libya. High level visits between two countries have increased. Our people are travelling more to each other’s country.

The historical visit of our Prime Minister has definitely upgraded our relations to a new level. 8 agreements in different fields, e.g. investment, agriculture, transport, have been signed during his visit.

The historical visit of our Prime Minister has definitely upgraded our relations to a new level. 8 agreements in different fields, e.g. investment, agriculture, transport, have been signed during his visit.

Especially, ABOLISHMENT OF VISAS is very important, as you mentioned. Visa abolishment agreements are generally done between the countries that have very close relations. As far as I know, Turkey is the first and only non-Arab country that Libya has abolished visas so far. This is a concrete indication that we are two brotherly countries. Visa abolishment will lead to more contacts between our people. Two brotherly people will know each other better.

Enhancement of our relations in transport will further facilitate the economic and cultural interaction. Turkish Airlines have just (2 March) increased its weekly flights from 7 to 11. It is planning to increase it to 14 starting from the approaching summer. Turkish airlines has also been flying between Istanbul and Benghazi since last May. It is planning to increase Benghazi flights from 4 to 7. Libyan Airlines, Buraq Airlines have also many flights. On the other hand, we are also working for developing maritime transport. Libyan brothers will remember that, there was a ferry line between Tripoli and Izmir (the third big city of Turkey) during 1980s. An agreement for activating this line has been signed during our Prime minister, and now we are working to activate it.

However, we do not see the current level of our relations as sufficient. We believe that there is much more potential to make cooperation with Libya in many different fields to the interest of both sides.

Q: Are there Turkish investment projects that are being worked out in Libya at the time being?

A: First of all, we do not want to limit scope of our cooperation to contracting business and exchange of goods only. Both sides should encourage their businessmen to make more direct investment in different fields.

Currently, our companies have approximately 60 million dollars of direct investment in Libya. Almost half of this is in energy sector. Turkish Petroleum Overseas Company (TPOC) has been working in oil exploration since 2000. I am very pleased to see that the first exploration well drilled in 2009 was resulted as oil discovery. We see your richness as our richness. TPOC is planning to drill 10 exploration wells and the total investment is planned to be around 150 Million US Dollars by the end of 2010. Libya has the first priority for TPOC and it is planning to increase oil investment in Libya if the opportunity is given. It is also interested in development fields as much as exploration fields.

We have also companies investing in areas such as miller’s trade (flour mill), mining, logistics and shipment, aluminum chipping etc.

Agriculture, water affairs, health, education, tourism, banking are some of the other areas that we can intensify our investment relations. In this regard, signing of the Agreement on Mutual Protection and Encouragement of Investments during our Prime Minister’s visit is a significant step. We also signed a MoU on common agricultural investments. Now, we are working for establishing effective mechanisms to activate these agreements. We are also working to conclude the Agreement for the Prevention of Double Taxation and Economic Partnership Agreement.

By taking this opportunity, I would like to make a call to Turkish businessmen. “Come and invest in Libya”. You will find brotherly, friendly people, a warm welcome, a safe and suitable investment environment here. Libya is near, both geographically and culturally. Exchange know how, technology, human skills with our brothers. In doing this, continue to keep your sensitivity for respecting the laws and regulations in Libya” In fact, I meet almost everyday with our businessmen and give this message directly to them.

We also attach importance to develop our relations in the educational and cultural. There are many historical buildings such as mosque, school, tomb, military barracks etc., which belong to our common cultural inheritance. We have started to cooperate with Libyan authorities to transfer them to our next generations by making necessary restoration and repair works. Now, two Turkish companies are conducting restoration Works on Dragut Pahsa Tomb in Tripoli. I am pleased to say here that it will be finished within this month. Otoman School in Tripoli and El Berka Military Barracks in Benghazi will also be restored by Turkish companies. We should also develop our cooperation in archives, historical research, exchange of academicians and students etc. in order to know each other better.

We also look into the possibilities of cooperation in Africa as well. Turkey and Libya has a similar approach towards Africa. Relations of our countries with Africa take its roots from human relations beyond trade, finance, and politics. I believe that everyone is responsible for Africa. Africa’s resources have been transferred for ages. Now, everyone should pay its dues back to Africa. Thus, everyone should show an undivided interest in Africa without losing time. Turkey indicates its responsibility towards Africa. Turkish Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA) and Turkish Red Crescent Society has significant efforts in the continent. We have recently opened ten new embassies. Libya is a major political and economic player in Africa. It has 50 embassies. Gaddafi Foundation and Libya Red Crescent Society has many humanitarian and development aids in the continent. Libya has also investment projects important for the economic development of Africa. Therefore, we attach importance to the cooperation with Libya in Africa. We signed an agreement for Joint Investments in Africa during the visit of our Prime Minister. Now, we are working for establishing good mechanisms to activate this agreement. We are also working on the possible cooperation possibilities among the governmental or non-governmental humanitarian and development institutions.

Q: How do you see bilateral relations in the future?

A: We want to diversify and deepen our relations with Libya to the interests of both sides. There is strong political will on both sides to further develop our relations. We are working on forming a strong cooperation mechanism with Libya, which is called “Council of High Level Strategic Cooperation”. It is formed under the co-chairmanship of two Prime Ministers and Ministers responsible for almost every sphere of life take place in that. We propose this mechanism to the countries that we have very close, brotherly relations. We have recently formed this with Syria and Iraq. We have signed 40-50 agreements with each of these countries. Now, we would like to form same kind of relationship with another brother, Libya.

Our President H.E. Abdullah Gul has invited brother leader Kaddafi. We are looking forward to host him in Turkey. His visit will be another historical event in our relations. Secretary of General People’s Committee and Secretary of General People’s Committee for Foreign Liaison and International Cooperation have also been invited to our country by their Turkish counterparts. These mutual visits will further accelerate our relations in every sphere.

Q: In the last few years Turkey has adopted a clear position with regard to the Palestinian issue by clearly criticizing the unjust treatment of Palestinians by Israeli occupiers, a position that has been well received by the Arab masses, tell us about this seemingly new strategy in the Turkish foreign policy. Does it enjoy major support from the Turkish people?

A: Palestine is our problem and this problem has always been at the top of our agenda. We have always had a clear position by supporting Palestinian cause. Turkey has always stood by the Palestinian people and will continue to do so. Our goal regarding Palestinian issue is an independent State of Palestine with its East Jerusalem as capital.

The aggression against Gaza carried out at the end of 2008 quickly turned into a human tragedy. Women, children, elder people died and injured. Phosphorus bombs were used by Israel against Palestinian. The infrastructure of Gaza was completely destroyed. Even the UN buildings in Gaza were destroyed when UN Secretary-General was in Israel. International community could not raise voice to stop this cruelty. UN remained inadequate. European Union watched this tragedy. Unfortunately, even Arab countries did not show enough sensitivity.

Our Prime Minister resented all these. Our president, our prime minister and our minister of foreign affairs reiterated their strong support and solidarity for Palestine on every occasion. We just act on humanitarian, moral and conscientious grounds. We are not anti-semitist. Our Prime Minister acted as a spokesman of whole Turkish nation in Davos. Turkish people have always been sensitive on this issue and shown their solidarity with their Palestinian brothers.

I regret that the human tragedy in Gaza still goes on.

The wounds of the people of Gaza have not been sealed. The promises made for Gaza have not been kept. As was the case at the time of the aggression, Gaza has been once again left to its own devices in the aftermath of the heavy destruction it suffered.

We demand that obstacles and restrictions on Gaza are immediately lifted.

Turkey has on every possible occasion stressed that it is not possible to turn a blind eye to the appalling conditions in Gaza, and we will continue to do so.

It is our common humanitarian and moral responsibility to ensure that the tragedy unfolding in Gaza is brought to an end, and an atmosphere of lasting peace is created in the region.

Q: How does Turkey see the very idea of resisting Israeli occupation by the Palestinians?

A: The Palestinian question cannot be resolved solely by satisfying the demands of one party. The security of the Palestinians is as important as the security of Israel. The Palestinian people's quest for freedom and peace is as legitimate as Israel's quest for stability. In our view, the resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict based on the vision of two states that will exist side by side in peace and security is an indispensable element of regional and global peace. We believe that reaching a just, comprehensive and lasting solution to the Palestinian question on the basis of a two state solution would pave the way for development and welfare for all peoples in the region.

- In this framework, we appreciate Arab League’s efforts to finding a lasting peace. International Community should exert maximum efforts in terms of achieving unity and reconciliation in Palestine and addressing the humanitarian tragedy in the Gaza Strip. Arab Peace Initiative provides a very sound basis for peace which should not be missed. We should also redouble our endeavors to mobilize the international community to put an end to Israel’s practices that are altering the demography, status and character of Jerusalem. The Islamic character of Masjid Al Aqsa, Bilal Mosque and Ibrahimi Mosque in el-Halil should be respected and preserved.

- Palestinian unity and the establishment of a strong Palestinian Administration with popular support is a must for the success of the Palestinian cause. We hope that national reconciliation between Palestinian groups will be reached as soon as possible. We need to engage every Palestinian group which has the support of the Palestinian people and ensure that they all adhere to the principles of peace. There mustn’t occur any more launching of rockets to the Israeli territory.

- On the other hand, Israel must renew its commitment to the two state solution and put an immediate end to actions and measures that hamper peace efforts. Disproportionate use of force and isolationist practices must not be used against Palestinians.

- We welcome the start of indirect talks between Palestinians and Israelis as a positive step. We see this as a new opportunity for peace and stability in Middle East. I hope that this will lead to a solid ground for comprehensive peace talks. On the other hand, in a time when it is decided to start indirect talks, the new decision by Israeli government to build 1600 new houses in East Jerusalem leads to serious doubts on Israel’s intentions.

- Hopes for peace should not be exhausted. Priority must be given to dialogue, engagement and peaceful methods. Otherwise peoples will suffer more and a fertile ground for extremism and terrorism which constitute a grave threat to all of us will breed.

- The destiny of Palestinians and Israelis is to live and work together. The right choice should be that they become good neighbours and friends and prosper together.

- Turkey is committed to continue to contribute to the efforts towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East based on the vision of the democratic states living side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders.

One priority of Turkish foreign policy towards the region is to keep open dialogue channels with all parties and pursue an active policy of engagement. We have always said that Syria is a very important country in our region and in a position to play a key role in the search for regional peace, security and stability. We have ongoing relations with Israel.

- In this regard, we mediated indirect peace talks between Syria and Israel in 2008, but this process, which in fact was progressing in a positive way, collapsed because Israel aggressively launched an attack on the Gaza Strip.

- Depending on the mutual desire of both parties, we are ready to resume our active role in this process. Syria has no reservations about Turkey's mediation. Isral’s position is not clear but Israel has said it could start new rounds. We can say that Israel appreciates the peace efforts of Primer Minister Erdoğan. If anything falls on our shoulder, we can do our best. If it starts again, the success of such a process depends on the political will and sincerity of the both sides.

Q: Within the last week Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan made to good-well gestures toward Greek Cypriots (the approval for the conservation and restoration of the historic monastery of Apostle Andreas in the Turkish Cypriot north and unprecedented meeting of Erdogan with Greek and Turkish Cypriot journalists in Istanbul), could you explain to the readers of The Tripoli Post the current Turkish position on Cyprus?

A: Turkish position on the Cyprus issue is clear. We wish for a just, permanent and comprehensive peace in Cyprus. This peace will bring welfare and security to the island and Eastern Mediterranean. In order to reach such a peace, a new understanding of partnership has to be based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal structure formed by two equal founding states. Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots should accept that the island is their common home, acknowledge each other’s distinct identity and integrity and that their relationship is not one of majority and minority but of political equality, where neither side may claim authority or jurisdiction over the other.

- We believe that such a solution should be built under the roof of the United Nations. I would like to emphasize that a comprehensive solution to be achieved on the basis of established UN parameters, which will secure the founding of a new Partnership based on the criteria above, will enjoy the open support of Turkey as a guarantor power.

- Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus support the efforts for finding a comprehensive solution on the Island. Turkey continues to remain one step ahead. In this regard, we supported the UN Plan (Annan Plan) in 2004. That plan has been accepted by Turkish Cypriots by 65%, but rejected by the Greek Cypriots by 76%. In spite of this fact, Greek Cypriots became member of the EU and Turkish Cypriots were “punished” as their isolation continued.

- If the Greek Cypriots were to act constructively, it would be possible to reach a comprehensive solution by the end of 2009. Instead of focusing upon the negotiations, the G/C leadership, is conducting a blame-game against the T/Cs and Turkey. They continuously try to exploit Turkey’s EU accession process and to undermine the negotiations by unilateral and provocative acts in the Mediterranean (unilateral delimitation agreements, seismic activity and exploration efforts). They are boosting their armament efforts and encouraging individual court cases in European courts (property and missing persons).

- We are not happy with the status quo. The ongoing negotiation process must be intensified. However, the G/C side is procrastinating, in order to gain time until the T/C presidential elections on 18 April and has made every effort to divert attention or slow down the process This is being criticized even by the G/C press.

- The negotiations cannot continue forever. The G/C side should see that their intransigence would have consequences. TCs are the aggrieved side from this status quo. The TCs can no longer be left in the margin of the international community. It is not fair to expect the Turkish side to pay the price for a lack of solution. The lifting of such restrictions on Turkish Cypriots will not only remove an unjust practice but also accelerate the process of resolution. If a solution cannot be found due to Greek Cypriot intransigence, as was the case in 2004, the normalization of the status of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus will become a necessity which can no longer be delayed.

- There is no Security Council Resolution enforcing restrictions on the TCs. The UN Secretary-General Ban, as well as the former Secretary-General Annan clearly encouraged the international community to establish and maintain economic, social and cultural ties with the Turkish Cypriot people. The Secretary-General also called upon the members of the Security Council to give a strong lead to all States to cooperate both bilaterally and in international bodies to eliminate unnecessary restrictions and barriers that have the effect of isolating the Turkish Cypriots and impeding their development.

- The Organization of the Islamic Conference adopted various resolutions that supported the call to end the unjust isolations imposed on the Turkish Cypriots. In line with these resolutions, we expect our Libyan brothers to help the muslim Turkish Cypriot people to overcome the inhuman situation in which they found themselves through no fault of their own, particularly in enhancement of the relations in economic, cultural and sports fields as well as the exchange of visits in accordance with the OIC resolutions. We still remember the support of Libya during Turkish intervention to restore order in Cyprus in 1974 with a feeling of gratitude.

Q: What is the Turkish position of the Kurds both in Turkey and in other neighboring countries?

A: Turks and Kurds have been living together in our country for a thousand year. Kurds are amongst the founding peoples of the Republic of Turkey. There is no ethnic discrimination in our country. Turkey’s history is witness to Kurdish presidents, prime ministers, parlimanterians, generals, etc.

Kurdish issue in Turkey is a matter of democratization. As Turkey ensures more progress in democratization, this issue will be solved. Our government is paying due attention to it and continues its efforts with good faith and conscientious responsibility. For instance, government itself established TRT 6, which is broadcasting in Kurdish language on a 24 hour basis. Departments of Kurdish language and literature have been opened in our universities. A multi-faceted democratic opening and national solidarity project is, as is known, still under way. In short, this issue should be solved within the principles of democratic republic and constitutional order. This is what our government is trying to do. It will be solved, sooner or later and our country will have a better future.

On other hand, ethnic nationalism and PKK terrorism make the solution difficult. PKK terrorist organisation is the most brutal one of its kind and claimed over 40,000 lives across Turkey of not only Turks and foreigners but also Kurds, including babies, students, doctors, elders etc. We are determined to continue fighting against this brutal terrorist group. In order to find a lasting solution, it is a precondition that arms have to be laid down and terrorism must be renounced by PKK.

We have good relations with our neighbors. In recent years, we have exerted every effort to settle all our differences with our neighbors. Thanks to this approach which we call "zero problem with neighbors", Turkey has made significant progress in resolving outstanding issues with its neighbors and greatly improved its bilateral relations. Furthermore, we move from a relationship of passive goodneighborliness to one of active friendship and cooperation. As I said, we have formed strategic cooperation mechanisms with Syria and Iraq. We have opened new consulates in Iraq. We have good relations with Iran too. In this regard, we have good relations with kurds living in Syria, Iraq and Iran. One of the consulates that we opened in Iraq is Erbil, central city of Kurdish Regional Administration. Our citizens living in the East and south-east regions of Turkey have close economic, social, cultural ties with the people of Iraq, Iran and Syria. Development of relations among those four countries and economic integration of the region will be beneficial for Turks, Kurds and Arabs alike.

Territorial integrity, political unity and internal peace of our neighbours is very important for the regional stability and development. In this manner, we attach great importance to the continuation of the political dialogue process encompassing all the groups in Iraq and the establishment of national unity. We set up Strategic Dialogue Mechanism with Iraq, which is important both in terms of the fight against terrorism, as well as all other aspects of bilateral relations.

Q: What would you like to tell the Libyan people through The Tripoli Post?

A: As I said at the beginning, I feel at home in Libya. I would like to say that Turkey is your home, too. We have lifted the barriers for travel now. Visit our country. I would also like to thank Libyan authorities for very warm welcome. I would like to thank them for their trust toward our companies. This is a big responsibility for our companies and I would like to reiterate my firm belief that they will continue to work successfully in Libya.