Gül: I Will Embrace Everyone

Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Gül has today (14 August) formally applied to be a presidential candidate. After his application to the parliament presidency, Gül said that he would be a neutral candidate. He addressed the worries that people feel about laicism by saying, "The basic principles of the constitution are clear. It is the president's duty to protect these principles."

"Keeping our promises"

Gül began his press statement by saying, "We have to stand behind the promises we made to the people in the squares. My candidacy was supported by the masses in the squares."

He promised to embrace Turkey and to obey the principle of neutrality: "My duty is to

help Turkey develop and to provide harmony between state institutions."

Not supported by everyone

Asked about the CHP's attitude, Gül said, "I respect everyone's decision. I desire to collaborate closely with everyone, whether they vote for me or not. I will be equally close to everyone."

In reply to questions about doubts over his candidacy, Gül said that he had evaluated everything: "With the elections the people's will became apparent. In my first speech I said that we could not ignore the people's will."

Gül said that he would not think about who supported him and who did not, but that he would fulfill his duties to the best of his abilities.

Asked about the army's "e-memorandum" of 27 April and whether the president should be elected by parliament or in a referendum, Gül replied, "This will all be discussed."

Gül added that his experiences as Minister of Foreign Affairs would stand him in good stead in his new office. (TK/AG)