TURKIYE- Columnist Yilmaz Oztuna comments on the OIC-EU Joint Forum being held in Istanbul. A summary of his column is as follows:
The OIC-EU Joint Forum which begins today in Istanbul is a very important initiative. Representatives from 71 Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and European Union member and candidate countries are attending the forum. Turkey is unique as the only country with member or candidate ties to both organizations. More than 50 of the meeting's participants are representing their countries at the foreign minister level. Others include statesmen, cultural, political and religious thinkers. As an intellectual, I was also invited to the forum. However, I am unable to attend the meetings. I will watch the developments on television and comment on them. First of all, I want to congratulate Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and our Foreign Ministry, both of which have been criticized for not pursuing a more active policy, for their tremendous initiative in organizing such a comprehensive and significant meeting. The forum will prove vital to the whole world as it brings together two different civilizations and cultures. During the meetings, statesmen from both the Islamic and Christian worlds will have the chance to discuss various topics. There will be numerous joint interests and unifying elements. However, history is full of conflicts. Today, a theory speaking of a "clash of civilizations" has gained both attention and currency. Islam has been accused of fomenting terrorism. But this idea is incorrect as well as unfair. There are terrorists in all societies worldwide. All of these topics will be discussed at the meetings. The possibility of an attack on Iraq disturbs many nations, Turkey included. The two sides should work to understand each other. Iraq's foreign minister is also attending the forum. Turkey took a leadership role in organizing such a meeting. The meeting may see negotiations, conflicts, heated arguments and discussions. All these are normal. The important thing is that the participants get a healthy dose of reality.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION