[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 74 (Tuesday, May 6, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E831]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       ON THE OCCASION OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL'S 60TH ANNIVERSARY

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                            HON. STEVE COHEN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 6, 2008

  Mr. COHEN. Madam Speaker, as the State of Israel commemorates its 
60th anniversary, I take this opportunity to recognize the longstanding 
friendship between the State of Israel and the Republic of Turkey.
  Turkey was the first country with a predominantly Muslim population 
to step forward and recognize the Jewish State in 1949. Moreover, for 
three decades the Republic of Turkey remained the only Muslim country 
to have full diplomatic representation in Israel. This historical fact 
alone speaks well for the solid, special, and valuable relationship 
between Turkey and Israel. It is no wonder this relationship stands on 
its uniquely own merits--unmatched in the entire Middle East. 
Historical facts and recollections in the collective memories of both 
Turkish and Israeli peoples testify this sense of togetherness, 
standing shoulder to shoulder in testing times.
  In recent years, more than 60 agreements have been enacted between 
the State of Israel and the Republic of Turkey in the economic and 
military fields. These have not only bolstered the bilateral 
relationship between the United States and these two close friends and 
allies, but have also created a legal framework that serves to 
institutionalize the bonds we have collectively developed. Since Turkey 
and Israel are the only two countries in the region that have embraced 
the principles of democracy and liberal market economy, it is easier to 
develop both the content and the depth of the bilateral relations in a 
multitude of different fronts.
  Also, through a large volume of tourism and cultural sharing, 
countless citizens of Turkey and Israel, not just the two governments, 
have developed strong bonds of benevolence, a sense of togetherness, 
collaboration, and mutual respect.
  At a time when dialogue between the parties to the Arab-Israeli 
conflict is needed, Turkey is once again in the unique position of 
maintaining positive relations with all the parties to the conflict. 
This is undoubtedly an asset for the region, and a great contribution 
to the security of Israel. The Israeli President Shimon Peres and 
President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas have addressed the 
Turkish Parliament last year in November and praised Turkey as an 
important ally in the peace process. President Peres's speech was the 
first to a parliament by an Israeli head of state anywhere in a 
predominantly Muslim country.
  We also remember too well through what is known as The Ankara Forum, 
that Turkey has recently sustained Israeli and Palestinian joint 
efforts to provide support for economic development in the West Bank. 
Recent reports indicate that Turkey, investing on this ground of 
mutually earned respect, trust and confidence and taking steps at the 
request of both parties, has now embarked on facilitating dialogue 
between Syria and Israel.
  Most members of the international community share the goal of a 
peaceful and prosperous Middle East. The security of all the countries 
in the region, including Israel, is dependent on this. Turkey believes 
that dialogue and cooperation are essential tools in working to make 
this dream a reality, and it is well equipped to chart its course for 
the benefit of Israel and her Arab neighbors, all for a peaceful and 
prosperous neighborhood.
  On this note, the 60th anniversary of the State of Israel, I commend 
and encourage the strong relationship between our two allies, Turkey 
and Israel, which in fact stands stronger and more robust by each day 
offering hope for peace in the future.

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