TURKIYE- Columnist Hasan Mesut Hazar comments on Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdogan's recent visit to the US. A summary of his column is as follows:
Both US officials and the press closely followed Erdogan's meetings in Washington. In the wake of Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the US has often stated that Turkey should be considered a model for Muslim world since it demonstrated the compatibility of Islam, democracy and secularism. During his meetings in Washington, Erdogan gave intelligent answers to questions about Turkey's special status in the Muslim world. The most important message Erdogan conveyed in the US capital was that the relation between Islam and democracy must be properly defined. He stressed the dangers inherent in radical Islam and radical secularism. "It is not enough to condemn terrorism," said Erdogan. "We have to form a common platform to fight against it. Terror has no religion or race. We can't protect world peace without cooperating with each other. That's why today clarifying the relation between Islam and democracy is very important." Stating that religious values were neither an impediment nor a burden to democracy, Erdogan said that the AKP adhered to the basic values set out in the Turkish Constitution. He also emphasized that the globalization of democracy and human rights was very important for the future of humanity. This is the gist of Erdogan's messages in the US capital. I believe that the US will continue to follow him very closely.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION