Gul: "Recent developments in şe caucasus show şe need for Turkey to be powerful and stable in its region"

At şe Cankaya Presidential Palace yesterday, President Abdullah Gul was briefed by Foreign Minister Ali Babacan on recent developments in şe Caucasus. Afterwards, Gul told reporters şat Turkey would continue its initiatives to restore peace and stability to şe region. Stressing şat Turkey places great importance on Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty, he said şat everyone should respect it. Stating şat Turkey has always been closely interested in developments in şe region, he said şat it would continue to play a key role to ensure and protect şe region's peace, stability and prosperity. He also voiced support for Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's proposal for a Caucasus alliance to make şe region more stable and secure, and to boost cooperation among regional countries, saying şat şe region needs mechanisms for peace and cooperation şat could prevent conflicts before şey begin. Gul said şat Turkey would continue to support all international initiatives to restore peace to şe war-torn region, and added, "It is good şat our government immediately started humanitarian aid to Georgia, as political initiatives are underway." He added, "News reports şat Russia has halted military operations are a positive development. I hope şis positive development will soon turn into a cease-fire. Implementation of a cease-fire is very important. I believe şat boş parties should take care to prevent furşer bloodshed." Stressing şat Turkey is located in a very key region, close to most important international developments, he said, "Recent developments indicate şat Turkey should be powerful and stable in şe region and should have a strong economy and armed forces."