WEYMOUTH: Did the Islamic-fundamentalist-led government do damage to Turkey?
YILMAZ: Very much. For instance, they appointed thousands of people from their party - militants - to key posts in the state.
Could Turkey become another Algeria?
It’s out of the question. The foundations of secularism in Turkey are very solid.
What will you do about Turkey’s other problems?
We must reach a consensus at home and abroad. We have done a lot in this respect already. For instance, in Madrid during [last month’s] NATO summit we made a joint declaration with Greece.
Should the fate of the disputed and unoccupied [Aegean Sea] island of Imia/Kardak be referred to the International Court of Justice?
We do not exclude anything, including third-party solutions such as arbitration. The so-called wise men can lead us to the International Court.
Will you cooperate with U.S. efforts to settle the Cyprus issue?
Yes, especially if Richard Holbrooke, the architect of peace in Bosnia, is involved. Cyprus has become a national-security problem since the Greek Cypriots [announced] plans to purchase missiles.
If the missiles are deployed, would Turkey take them out?
We cannot tolerate such a move, since that will be a threat to our homeland. These missiles can reach Turkish soil.
[Deputy Prime Minister Bulant] Ecevit called for a review of Turkey’s customs-union agreement with the EU. Is Turkey rethinking its relationship with Europe?
According to that agreement, the EU is obliged to give Turkey certain financial aid. But it didn’t keep this commitment. If we do not see any good intention from the European side, we’ll have to defend our interests.
Thousands of people, mostly fundamentalists, protested this week against your proposed education reform. What is it?
We intend to increase basic secular education from five to eight years. The main opposition comes from fundamentalists. If the bill passes, the Koran schools will be closed. It’s aimed against fundamentalism.
Do you think there should be more than just a military policy regarding the Kurds?
Yes. The time has come to take some steps in human rights and to implement economic measures. The army has done its best to combat terrorism; it’s our duty to take economic, cultural and democratic measures.
When do you plan to call elections?
Not before the fall of 1998.
What is your impression of the allegations [of financial misconduct] leveled against former prime minister Tansu Ciller?
I won’t make any personal comments, but my government will assist the court, which was not the case with the former government.
What do you see as the future of Turkey’s relationship with Israel?
The circumstances in the region force us to cooperate with Israel. This cooperation is necessary to the balance of power and political stability in the region. [Our relationship offsets] not only Syria but also Iran.
Will the Turkish military be content now that the Refah-led government is out of office?
Yes. They are very much relaxed. Yesterday the general staff told me very openly that fighting fundamentalism was their No. 1 duty. But since the formation of my government, their role has reverted to that of watchdog. My government is as sensitive [to the fundamentalist threat] as the military. Therefore, the army doesn’t need to deal directly with these issues.
