MANAMA (AA) - ''Islam deserves to be perceived correctly'', Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said on Tuesday.
In an exclusive interview with the Bahrain Tribune in Bahraini capital of Manama where he is paying an official visit, Gul underlined importance of relations between Islam and the Western world.
Also stressing critical importance of this (relationship) for settlement of lasting peace, security and stability, Gul expressed sorrow over recent misunderstandings between Islam and the West, and said that there was no reason to consider Islam as a source of intolerance and extremism.
Touching on terrorist attacks, Gul emphasized that the Islam world was condemning every type of terrorism and was supporting the West in its fight against terrorism.
Gul said that establishment of a dialogue between the Islam world and the Western would help western societies learn about different sides of the Islam civilization, minimize damages caused by ''Islam phobia'' in these civilizations and cultures, and it would develop a balanced understanding between the East and the West.
Noting that the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) was playing an important role for these (above mentioned) goals, Gul said that Turkey, as a country which was overwhelmingly Muslim and which had established strong ties with the West, would continue to have a constructive role in establishment of bridges and fight against ''Islam phobia'' and other intolerant stances.
Gul said that tensions, conflicts and international sanctions which had been seen after the Gulf War harmed Turkey's relations with its neighbors, friends and Gulf countries, and stressed that obstacles before these relations started to be eliminated these days.
-ISRAEL-PALESTINE ISSUE-
Stating that they were pleased with the hope which appeared on the way for lasting solution of Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Gul noted that Turkey supported steps that have been taken by the two parties since Sharm el-Sheikh summit that was held on February 8th.
Gul stressed that the parties and international platform should re-focus on their efforts for peace.
Noting that Israel's plan to withdraw from Gaza should be coordinated with Palestinian party and it should be put into practice under the Road Map, Gul said, ''if it is done effectively, hopes about revival of peace process will be strengthened more.''
Underlining that international platform should fully support efforts of the parties, he mentioned Turkey's contribution to reconstruction and rehabilitation of Palestinian institutions. Gul said that they encouraged the private sector to contribute to further improvement of dialogue between the two parties.
-IRAQ-
Gul stated that violence was still continuing after Baas regime was overthrown in Iraq two years ago, noting that this situation jeopardized the political process in Iraq.
He stressed that despite all unfavorable conditions and problems, Iraqi people recorded a great progress on the way to democracy with the elections held in this country.
Abdullah Gul indicated that formation of transitional government backed by a new administration and the parliament was an important step by Iraq.
Noting that a democratic constitution needed vision of Iraqi society, Gul stressed that UN's specialization should be applied during the preparation of the constitution.
Gul stated that Iraq's neighboring countries' meetings which were initiated by Turkey played an important role in political transition period of Iraq.
Calling on the international community to support Iraqi government during this critical period, Gul said that an international conference that would be held in Brussels in the second half of June would be an important opportunity for further improvement of international assistance to Iraq.
Gul stressed that Turkey also extended support to Iraqi government in the bilateral level.
Stating that Iraqi people deserved a much better future, Gul said that during Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari's visit to Turkey, both Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and he confirmed that relations between Turkey and Iraq should be improved in every areas.
(BRC-E֭MS)
2005-05-31