[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 56 (Tuesday, May 3, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E858-E859]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        APRIL 27, 2005 REMARKS OF TURKISH PRIME MINISTER ERDOGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. VIRGINIA FOXX

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 3, 2005

  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I would like to enter into the Congressional 
Record some remarks made on April 27th, 2005 by Turkish Prime Minister 
Erdogan in his address to the Turkish Parliament. Whatever side of the 
political spectrum you fall on, Prime Minister Erdogan's remarks are 
encouraging as he attempts to demonstrate Turkey's continued commitment 
to the betterment of Turkish-U.S. relations and its willingness to 
support resolution of the War on Terror including in Iraq, the Arab-
Israeli conflict, and reconstruction of Afghanistan. I also commend to 
your attention a statement by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs 
on the same day with regard to the Syrian withdrawal of its military 
forces from Lebanon.

       Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan addressed the group of his 
     party members represented in the Turkish Parliament on April 
     27, 2005. The following are excerpts from his remarks on 
     Turkish-US relations, as picked up by the Turkish media:
       Recently much has been said and written in press and before 
     the public opinion about Turkish-US relations. As I was sad 
     to observe, some of those were either not correct or highly 
     exaggerated.
       I should state foremost that relations with the United 
     States continue to be one of the fundamental axes of our 
     foreign policy.

[[Page E859]]

       In view of the unanimity of interests and objectives that 
     is an outcome of the necessity to address the multi 
     dimensional threats of the 21st century, the firm foundations 
     laid by 50 years of alliance are increasingly important 
     today.
       It is obvious that, although occasionally we may differ on 
     the methods to deal with extraordinary issues, these do not 
     negate the common understanding regarding final objectives 
     and the necessity to cooperate.
       For instance, our common objective to establish a 
     democratic regime in Iraq that preserves the country's 
     territorial integrity, makes it imperative for Turkey and the 
     United States to remain in close consultation and 
     collaboration.
       This necessity is valid for many issues that are 
     interrelated.
       Therefore, one of my government's priorities is to develop 
     the relations between Turkey, which is turning into a 
     regionally as well as a globally important and respected 
     power thanks to our domestic and foreign policies, and the 
     United States based on mutual interests.
       To that effect, it is important foremost that functioning 
     channels of communication remain open in a way that enables a 
     healthy dialogue.
       I am happy to underscore that this view is shared by both 
     our countries.
       Following a number of visits including by Secretary Rice to 
     Turkey from the US side, recently the Undersecretary of the 
     Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has paid a useful visit 
     to the US. In this visit the parties have reconfirmed the 
     existing strong will to improve cooperation. High level 
     contacts and visits will continue in the time ahead.
       Recently the US administration has been following a policy 
     that emphasizes mutual dialogue on all issues with the 
     allies.
       Almost every subject that finds a place in the 
     transatlantic agenda also exists on the agenda of Turkey and 
     Turkish-US relations.
       It is necessary that we should further develop cooperation 
     based on a forward looking positive agenda on all issues from 
     Iraq to the resolution of the Arab-Israeli dispute, stability 
     of the Caucasus and Central Asia, reform in the Middle East, 
     reconstruction of Afghanistan, fight against terror and 
     energy security.
       Naturally, such issues as reaching a just resolution of the 
     Cyprus problem, fighting PKK terror, as well as Armenian 
     allegations form important items of our bilateral agenda. If 
     we act together on these issues, it is clear that we can make 
     progress to the benefit of all parties, and the Turkish-US 
     relations will be further strengthened.
       Against this background, we must be alert against the 
     efforts by certain groups and lobbies, which are unhappy 
     about developing Turkish-US relations, to undermine the 
     agenda; we must not let them succeed in that regard.
       The Turkish people have not forgotten the support given by 
     the United States, with which we remained in solidarity for 
     the last half century, to Turkey on such issues as membership 
     to the EU, fight against terror, and the energy routes. They 
     appreciate that today as in the future we will continue to 
     need each other. At the same time, I should expressly note 
     that positive responses, not only by the United States, but 
     by all our allies and partners to our rightful expectations, 
     would greatly contribute to the quenching of occasional 
     feelings of dismay in our public opinion.
       Relations between Turkey and the United States will 
     continue to improve.
       In his speech Prime Minister Erdogan has also informed the 
     Parliamentarians of his recent visit to Afghanistan and the 
     upcoming visit to Israel and Palestine:
       The heartrending conditions in Afghanistan impose serious 
     responsibilities on us.
       Wars have worn out Afghanistan.
       In Kabul children receive education in tents. I have better 
     understood at my visit to Afghanistan that our 
     responsibilities have increased.
       We have decided in the Council of Ministers to build 
     schools and hospitals in Afghanistan, support housing and 
     water supply through Turkish Economic Development Agency.
       We will start by building 7 schools and will continue based 
     on the areas designated by the Afghan authorities. Similarly, 
     we intend to construct health centers and a hospital in 
     Kabul. We will rapidly realize our contributions. This is our 
     historical and moral responsibility.
       The Turkish armed forces have assumed the ISAF lead for the 
     second time. Our forces which will serve until the end of 
     August have mingled with the Afghan people and carry out 
     their duties based on mutual love and respect.
       Turkey will continue to be the region's guarantee for peace 
     and confidence.
       All concepts that would overshadow peace, and recall hatred 
     and violence have been fully rejected by the Turkish people's 
     philosophy of life, culture, civilization and historical 
     experience.
       Turkey follows a realistic and balanced policy with regard 
     to all conflicts including the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, 
     and has earned the confidence of both parties.
       I will visit Israel and Palestine on May 1-2.
       Our objective is to see how this problem in the Middle East 
     be ended by peace, and what task Turkey may undertake to that 
     effect.
       Previously, Foreign Minister Gul has paid visit to Israel 
     and Palestine. Through this visit we have entered into close 
     working relationship with both Palestine and Israel to 
     promote the peace process which has recently encountered a 
     window of opportunity.
                                  ____


  Statement by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, No: 68--April 
                               27th, 2005

       We welcome the statement by Syria that it has withdrawn its 
     military forces and security personnel from Lebanon in 
     accordance with U.N. Security Council Resolution 1559 as of 
     April 26, 2005.
       We hope that with the confirmation by the U.N. of the 
     content of this statement, a situation that has been the 
     source of tension in our region, will disappear.
       This development is important for the stability of both 
     Lebanon and Syria as well as our region and will serve the 
     interests of all the regions.
       In view of this development, Turkey hopes that the 
     democratic process in Lebanon proceed in the time ahead in 
     accordance with the expectations of the international 
     community, and that the elections in the country be held in 
     an environment that would allow the Lebanese people to freely 
     exercise their political will.