HURRIYET- Columnist Oktay Eksi comments on Prime Minister Ecevit's visit to Washington and its significance regarding Turkish-US relations. A summary of his column is as follows:
Prime Minister Ecevit's visit to the US began yesterday. There are many reasons why this visit bears significance both for the US and us. It is important for Turkey as it does not have the ability to repay the heavy bills which have piled up, as a result of years-long mistaken economic and fiscal policies b itself; it needs US support. Furthermore, it is certain that if these bills are not paid chaos in the streets, just as in Argentina, or military coups may be in the offing. Therefore, Turkey is sending its most unyielding prime minister to the US to acquiesce to most of its demands. In return, the US knows that it needs Turkey as a reliable ally in the region to help protect its strategic interests. However, there are other issues, which make this visit more interesting. During the late 1970s and during the '80s the US wanted 'moderate Islam' to be in power. A state which had abandoned Ataurk's reforms or the nation-state model was more in line with its aspirations...It would be easy to mold Turkey into a model of its choice if these two pillars were destroyed. Many supported this idea both within Turkey and abroad. However, it seems that Turkey's base was well built and strong. The actions of the Taliban in Afghanistan and the Sept. 11 Twin Towers tragedy brought everyone to their senses. It was understood that Turkey as a nation-state and based on secular and democratic principles was important both for peace in the world and the Middle East, and to the advantage of the West's interests. Now, it is time to help Turkey. This is an important opportunity for Turkey. Now, Turkey has the image of a country which must not be shoved around and whose significance is well understood. Turkey must use this opportunity well and for example, take steps facilitating its membership to the EU. Therefore, the Bush administration must avoid overtures saying that they would expect Turkish military support when they attack Iraq. It should not give support to projects which would lead to the establishment of a Kurdish state in northern Iraq. Otherwise, the US will draw harsh reactions from the Turkish public. If the US wants to take Turkey by its side, it must warn Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration and call on them to accept the legal rights of the Turkish Cypriots on the island.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION