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Turkish president says Turkey fighting terrorism with all resources

25 August 2010 02:52 (UTC +04:00)

Gul told reporters in Istanbul, "What is important is to end terrorism and stop terrorism from being a threat against Turkey."

While pointing his finger to outlawed organization the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), the president defined terrorism as Turkey’s biggest problem, saying that terrorism has claimed many lives in Turkey so far.

The PKK has been listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union.

Gul said terrorism could be countered by mobilizing all resources, not only by weapons.

"Diplomacy is used when the time comes, and armed forces or security forces can intervene, or some other elements can be mobilized to win the people in regions under the shadow of terrorism," he added.

He said economic, social development, and cultural activities are part of the fight against terrorism.

Gul defined eradication of terrorism as Turkey’s priority, and said all countries should stand in solidarity to counter terrorism.

The president urged neighboring countries, allies and other countries in the world to help Turkey in the fight against the PKK.