SABAH- Columnist Gungor Mengi writes on the OIC-EU meeting in Istanbul. A summary of his column is as follows:
Istanbul, the meeting point of civilizations, is hosting the most important conference of the new century. Robert S. Robins and Jerrold M. Post in their book ‘Political Paranoia’ search for an answer to the question what can be done against the merchants of hatred who want to lead the world to a clash of civilizations. The writers say that nothing deeply rooted can be exterminated. However we can always be on alert against the danger of political paranoia. Remaining indifferent to the issue means making a deal with the devil. If enough care is not taken, the paranoid tendency will grow, be exploited and explode as a policy of hatred psychology. The Organization of the Islamic Conference and European Union countries and member countries met in Istanbul against a background similar to that of the UN General Assembly to discuss this danger threatening the future of mankind. They are searching for an answer to the question what can be done about the common enemy, which perpetrated the most tragic attack in order to escalate terrorism into a clash between religions. The first answer coming to mind is dialogue. The clash of religions deeply rooted in history can only be solved through reason, faith and sincerity. NATO member and EU candidate member Muslim Turkey has shown that Islam is compatible with democracy and has played an effective mediator role in the meeting of a great number of countries and thus increased its own importance and respectability. Hate, whatever the reason, be it religious or ethnic, leads to terror. First of all mankind has to denounce terrorism whatever the cause and stand in unison against it. When this basis is damaged by self-interest, terrorism finds the swamps it thrives on. As civilization and harmony were being discussed at the Ciragan yesterday, we received a report laying out the relation between the PKK and some EU countries. According to the document obtained by our intelligence units, advice from some European countries lies behind the PKK’s politicization drive. These countries are advising the PKK to adopt policies they believe will facilitate their hand in supporting them. The blind self-interest of willfully ignoring an evil right under one’s nose because it isn’t threatening you in particular can still ensnare the wing of civilizations meeting in Istanbul, which boasts of being ‘modern.’ This hypocrisy is sabotaging humanity’s hopes for compromise and peace.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION