MILLIYET- Columnist Hursit Gunes writes on Prime Minister Ecevit's visit to the US and Turkish expectations. A summary of his column is as follows:
The prime minister is going to Washington accompanied by a large delegation. The presence of a large number of businessmen in the delegation gives the impression that economic and trade issues will be discussed during this visit. However, there are two main issues on the agenda. One is the interests of the US in the region and the other is Turkey's support for these interests. At the moment, the interest of Washington is political while Ankara is focused on economic issues. It seems that Turkey will search for a middle way in between two differing opinions. In fact, the speeches delivered by the prime minister show that there are two questions he would like to discuss with the US Administration. The first is to ask for the cancellation of a certain amount of military debt and a loosening of foreign trade quotas. The stronger Turkey is, the stronger is the US'ally in the region. Turkey's economic crisis has to be surmounted and stability ensured for the required support to be extended. Furthermore, a steady domestic growth rate must be achieved and our standard of living elevated. Even though the US is lending a generous amount of money through the IMF, our economic situation is far fom bright. In addition, we have some political instability caused by economic problems. The US must be aware that the economic progress made upto until now has been carried against a fragile political background. Washington may express its concerns regarding the issue and how to best ensure a pro-Western, democratic stability in Turkish politics. Prime Minister Ecevit must be ready to face such questions. It is clear that Turkey is getting nowhere by defending the territorial integrity of Iraq. It should propose a solution which would not damage its own territorial integrity. Instead of reacting to the US proposals as unacceptable, it should be pro-active. Thus, Turkey's strength in the region will increase. What's more, this solution may not necessarily include a military intervention. It would be wrong to restrict the US' negotiations with Iraq. The prime minister is going to Washington with his hand strengthened. Great distance has been covered in the economic program. The West has recognized Turkey's importance anew. However, Turkey's requests are limited. This visit must demonstrate that Turkey is actually part of the West rather than a strong ally of the West in the region.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION