‘We Are Not Rooted In Religion’

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What is Turkey's role in facilitating recent negotiations between Israel and Syria?
For 40 years Turkey had no diplomatic relations with Syria. When [the AKP] came to power we decided to normalize these relations. Our policy is to win friends, and not to make enemies. Because of our good relations with both Syria and Israel we were asked by both of them to effect better communications. We've been speaking to the leaders of both countries. It's important for us to try to gain some ground—if we can help achieve peace in the Middle East, that will have a major positive impact on the region.

Is it your belief that Israel wishes to attack Iran?
For a politician to speak about other countries' intentions is a big mistake. But I don't want to see anything like that happen. If it did, I cannot comprehend what will happen in the Middle East. We shouldn't even think about this. My biggest hope [for peace] is that Israel stops its excessive use of force in the West Bank. Civilians are being killed in Gaza; children and old people. We have to be just—we cannot say that it's right if one side [uses force] but condemn the other side for doing the same.

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Posted By: PETER LOCKWOOD @ 05/28/2008 11:11:27 AM

Mr.Erdogan seems sick and tired.Some people says from Turkey ' he have epilepsy '.
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Posted By: varembee @ 05/16/2008 5:00:17 AM

The PM is being objective for a genuine friend should tell you when you have gone wrong and cheer you when you are right.
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Posted By: varembee @ 05/16/2008 4:53:47 AM

Mr Erdogan is a democrat in the true western sense having won a democratic election.Are you holding him to be undemocratic simply because he holds dearly Islamic values. What is wrong with being nationalistic anyway?Who does not love his roots and culture? I would treat your sentiments more seriously if you equally condemned the most heinous criminal and inhuman treatment visited on the lestinians.