Speaking on the TRT Turk TV channel on Tuesday, Bağış emphasized that “technical work is under way to block access to the anti-Islam movie which insulted the Holy Prophet Muhammad” upon an order by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the Anatolia news agency reported.The release of the movie, “Innocence of Muslims,” by an extreme anti-Muslim Egyptian Christian campaigner in the United States sparked fury among Muslims and resulted in the killing of the US ambassador to Libya and three other embassy officials in an attack in Benghazi two weeks ago. More than 50 people have died in deadly protests throughout the Muslim world as protesters engaged in clashes with the police. In Egypt, Libya and Yemen protesters stormed US embassies and consulates.
Bağış argued that it is extremely difficult to define the video as a movie. He also decried the way the protests had taken place, painting them as wrongful acts and reminiscent of the movie itself. He further noted that the killing of diplomats was not acceptable.
The chief negotiator also touched upon the increasing terrorist activities in Turkey amid ongoing clashes between the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) and the terrorist Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in the southeast Turkey. He stated that the fight against terrorism is not only Turkey’s problem but also a major issue that must be handled at the international level.
“Turkey’s fight against terrorism is not only the problem of our country, but it is an international matter. The PKK kills our citizens, but also poisons Europeans. By managing the biggest drug gang in Europe, it continues to poison European youngsters. In that sense, we have common interests with Europe and Europeans in taking the necessary steps on this issue,” Bağış told the press during his meeting with Belgian Ambassador to Turkey Pol de Witte in Ankara on Tuesday.
In comparison to poor cooperation in the past, he addressed the improving situation on taking common measures in the counterterrorism field between Turkey and the EU countries. Even Denmark, which Ankara accuses of showing tolerance to the PKK by allowing its activities in the country as well as broadcasts of Roj TV — a pro-PKK media outlet, has started to detain PKK members, Bağış stated. He said Turkey is trying hard to ensure Turkey’s sensitivities are understood by Europeans.
(Today’s Zaman)
