'Turkey must be meticulous in Mediterranean security'

By Muhammet Emin Avundukluoglu

ANKARA (AA) - Ankara should be more meticulous in building a security zone in the Mediterranean, Turkey's parliament speaker said on Wednesday.

"We should display much more care to provide a security zone in Mediterranean basin, where people can live in peace and with [at least a] minimum level of welfare," said Mustafa Sentop in a meeting at the Turkish Parliament.

Sentop also called for resolute effort towards world peace on the basis of the rule of law.

"In this sense, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean [PAM] carries far greater responsibility. The assembly should work more on world peace and preventing conflicts," he said.

He added that Turkey would increase its support for the PAM in the coming term.

The two-day meeting among lawmakers from 26 Mediterranean countries on "the nexus of security and population movements" will continue until June 20 at the Turkish parliament.