US` OBAMA ADDRESSES PARLIAMENT
US President Barack Obama yesterday visited Parliament as the guest of Parliament Speaker Koksal Toptan. After meeting with Toptan, Obama also met separately with main opposition Republican People`s Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal, Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli and Democratic Society Party (DTP) leader Ahmet Turk.
Baykal said he and Obama had discussed modernization, democratization, the independence of the judiciary, and freedom of the press. Baykal said that he conveyed to Obama the importance of Turkey`s full EU membership for continued democratization and modernization. Baykal added that Obama told him opposition was important and there was no democracy without opposition. Bahceli, for his part, said that an independent Kurdistan was not acceptable. "Efforts to bring disarmed members of the terrorist PKK into politics are also unacceptable," he added. Later, Obama addressed the full Parliament, with many members of the media also in attendance, as well as President Abdullah Gul. "Some people have asked me if I chose to continue my travels to Ankara and Istanbul to send a message to the world. My answer is simple: evet .yes," he said. Stating that Turkey is an important US ally and an important part of Europe, he added, "Turkey`s greatness lies in your ability to be at the center of things. This is not where East and West divide. This is where they come together." He also expressed support for Turkey`s European Union bid, saying that Turkey`s membership would broaden and strengthen Europe`s foundations. Touching on the so-called Armenian genocide claims, he said, "The best way forward for the Turkish and Armenian people is a process that works through the past in a way that is honest, open and constructive." He added, "In the last several years, you have abolished state-security courts and expanded the right to counsel. You have reformed the penal code, and strengthened laws that govern the freedom of the press and assembly. You lifted bans on teaching and broadcasting Kurdish, and the world noted with respect the important signal sent through a new state Kurdish television station." On the Cyprus issue, Obama said the US was willing to help the parties as they work toward a just and lasting settlement that reunifies Cyprus into a bizonal and bicommunal federation. /Star-Aksam-Milliyet/
OBAMA VISITS ANKARA
US President Barack Obama yesterday visited Anitkabir, Ataturk`s mausoleum, and laid a wreath at the tomb of Turkey`s founder, and observed a minute of silence. Signing the mausoleum`s memorial guestbook, Obama wrote, "I have the honor to pay tribute to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, a man whose vision, tenacity and courage put the Republic of Turkey on the path of democracy and whose legacy continues to inspire generations around the world. As the 44th president of the United States of America, I look forward to strengthening US-Turkish relations and to supporting Ataturk`s vision of Turkey as a modern and prosperous democracy giving hope to its people and providing `peace at home, peace in the world`." Afterwards, Obama met with his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul, who welcomed him with an official ceremony. After a luncheon in his honor, Obama told a joint news conference that he wants to encourage talks between Turkey and Armenia, not tilt them in favor of one country. Obama also said that he didn`t want to focus on his views, but on the views of the Turkish and Armenian peoples. Obama said that there has been a steady improvement in Turkish-US ties since 2003, despite some setbacks, and that he wants to improve relations further. Obama said the terrorist PKK is on the US` terrorist watch list, and reiterated his country`s support for counter-terrorism efforts. He added that cooperation against terrorism has borne fruit in recent years and reduced terrorist attacks, and pledged to maintain support for these efforts. For his part, Gul said that Turkey and the US would improve their cooperation against terrorism, which he described as a major issue for both countries. Gul expressed willingness to work closely with the US on issues across a vast geography including Afghanistan, the Caucasus, the Balkans and the Middle East. Gul said that he and the Turkish people appreciated Obama`s including Turkey on his first visit overseas since taking office. Gul also thanked Obama for his close interest in Turkey`s EU membership. Afterwards, Obama met with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and reportedly discussed issues such as the Middle East, terrorism, NATO, bilateral relations and the economy. Obama told Erdogan that he has closely watched the Turkish-brokered peace talks between Israel and Syria, adding that maintaining those efforts could do much to serve the cause of Mideast peace. The president also underlined the importance of cooperation in NATO, saying that Turkey makes great contributions to NATO. Erdogan and Obama also discussed Turkish-Armenian and Armenian-Azeri relations, and Obama reiterated his views on the terrorist PKK. Then Obama proceeded to Istanbul to participate in the Second Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations. /All papers/
SECOND ALLIANCE OF CIVILIZATIONS FORUM BEGINS IN ISTANBUL
The Second Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations began in Istanbul`s Ciragan Palace yesterday with the attendance of heads of state and government and other top officials from 81 countries, high-level representatives of international organizations, religious leaders, scholars and many guests. Speaking at the opening of the forum, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who shares the alliance`s co-chairmanship with his Spanish counterpart Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, said the initiative is a rejoinder to those who argue a clash of civilizations is inevitable. Stating that Turkey and Spain began the initiative in the belief that dialogue is possible, Erdogan said, "We sincerely believe that the Christian, Muslim and Jewish peoples, and the East and the West, can understand and tolerate each other. Prejudices in a globalizing world can only be dangerous." Erdogan said that intolerance causes conflicts and separation, adding that it is necessary to enhance tolerance and strengthen dialogue, understanding and solidarity. Stressing that terrorism is an international problem, Erdogan said, "Those who see terror as other nations` problem may suffer from terror themselves. Thus, starting today, it is necessary to build a strong culture of solidarity." He said the Alliance of Civilizations, which became a UN initiative in 2005, is now creating concrete solutions and projects to improve dialogue and cooperation among different civilizations from all over the world. Erdogan concluded his speech by quoting famous Turkish mystic poet Mevlana Rumi: "Come, come whatever you are, it doesn`t matter. Come, our convent is not a place of despair. Come, even if you violated your oath a hundred times, come again." Also speaking at the opening of the forum, Zapatero said that if people work together they can create a different 21st century to live in. "Thanks to the Alliance of Civilizations initiative, which aims to promote dialogue and cooperation among different civilizations and to strengthen mutual respect, tolerance and religious and cultural diversity, this century could be a century of peace, coexistence and tolerance," Zapatero said. "It is important for all beliefs and religions to live in an atmosphere of tolerance. The key word here is tolerance." In related news, President Abdullah Gul last night hosted a dinner in honor of the participating heads of state and government at Istanbul`s Dolmabahce Palace. Speaking at the dinner, Gul said that Turkey will continue its determined efforts to ensure the peaceful coexistence of different civilizations by improving dialogue and cooperation among them. It is high time to focus on commonalities, not differences, Gul said, calling on the international community to step up efforts to enhance dialogue, diversity, basic human rights and gender equality all over the world. Gul later hosted a reception for the leaders. US President Barack Obama, who proceeded to Istanbul yesterday after completing his talks in Ankara, attended this reception as well. /Sabah-Turkiye/