Gul: Relationship Between Islam And The Western World Carries More Importance Today Than It Did Yesterday

MANAMA (AA) - Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul has indicated that the relationship between Islam and the Western world carries more importance today than it did yesterday.
     In an exclusive interview with Bahrain Tribune, Gul talked on the relations between Islam and the Western world, Middle Eastern peace process, Iraq and Turkey-Bahrain relations.
     ''In a period of inter-dependence, the relations between Islam and the West carry enormous importance. The need for the two cultures to live in peace make the relationship very prominent,'' said Gul.
     Gul remarked that, due to misunderstandings in the past several years, anti-Islam sentiments in the West grew rapidly.
     ''Due to some circles that want to associate the Islamic religion with radicalism, misunderstandings arose. Unfortunately, the September 11th attacks speeded up such misunderstandings,'' told Gul.
     Minister Gul stressed that Israeli withdrawal from Gaza should be under coordination with the Palestinian side. ''The withdrawal must take place within the Road Map.''
     Gul expressed that the national interests of Iraq should be above all ethnic concerns. ''The United Nations should help Iraq prepare its constitution,'' noted Gul.
     Gul added that the relations between Turkey and Bahrain are excellent and that cooperation should take place in all areas.
     (SOL-MS)
2005-05-31