Gul calls for more domocracy to solve problems facing Turkey

On a visit to his hometown in the central Anatolian province of Kayseri, President Abdullah Gul yesterday met with industrialists operating in the city's industrial zone. Speaking to reporters there, Gul said that Turkey can solve its all problems by acting of its own initiative. Gul said once the country's democratic standards are enhanced, the problems facing the country will be automatically resolved. "What's important is to strengthen every citizen belonging to the Turkish Republic, and make all citizens across the Republic of Turkey pleased to live in Turkey," he said. Gul's remarks came amid a government plan to take sweeping civilian measures to solve the longstanding southeastern Anatolia or Kurdish issue. Everyone living in Turkey is an equal citizen of the Republic of Turkey without any discrimination, Gul said. The Constitution is very clear on this, he added, arguing that when our differences are seen as a rich resource, then Turkey will grow stronger. Turning to economic matters, Gul said improved economic and trade ties between Turkey and the US are one the most important dimensions of bilateral relations. Stating that Turkish-US ties aren't only military and political, Gul said that unfortunately in past years the economic dimension of relations has not been developed enough. Saying that he discussed the issue with US President Barack Obama when he visited Turkey earlier this year, confirming both countries' desire to improve bilateral trade ties, Gul said that a special committee was set up to this end. On last weekend's elections in northern Iraq, Gul expressed hope that they would help bring peace and order to the region. Gul said that peace in northern of Iraq would contribute to the unity and integrity of the entire country. "There are many important issues in Iraq, including the oil law and the status of provinces, and I hope they will solve them in peace," he said. Gul said that the more Turkey's neighbor solves its problems and the more peaceful it is, the more economic and political cooperation it will have with Turkey. He also said this would also be in the best interest of the region. The elections were held for the new head of the northern Iraqi regional administration and members of the regional parliament. According to unofficial results, administration head Nechirvan Barzani was reelected with about 70 percent of the vote.