WASHINGTON D.C., March 11 (A.A) - Turkey's Ambassador in Washington D.C. Faruk Logoglu said on Monday that war on terrorism required a sustained solidarity by the civilized world, unrelenting, long-term struggle on many fronts.
Logoglu, who addressed a ceremony commemorating six months since Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, said, ''six months ago on this day, we were all devastated by the loss of thousands of innocent civilians, most, at the prime of their lives. Our hearts go out to them and their families. We pray for them and for the brave firemen and policemen who perished in the line of duty. We once again condemn those terrorist attacks and remind their perpetrators that justice will done no matter what it takes.''
Logoglu said, ''September 11 taught us lessons. That terrorism has no limits, that it knows no religion or ideology, that it is not confined to any geography or nationality. But one lesson stands above others. That the war on terrorism requires sustained solidarity by the civilized world, unrelenting, long-term struggle on many fronts. Let us be aware that any relaxation, any wavering in this war will be exploited by the terrorists.''
''Mr. President, you and the American people have responded to September 11 with dignity and determination. You showed that the spirit of this great nation could not be broken even under intolerable adversity. We know how the American people feel, because we have ourselves been victims of terrorism. The Turkish people empathize deeply with the American nation. We also never forgot that your country understood our own fight against the terrorists,''he said.
Logoglu said, ''As a friend of America and as a NATO ally, we have given our firm and broad support to the international effort you mobilized for the war on terrorism. We have today troops in Afghanistan. We are prepared to do more in that country with continued support from the international community.
Logoglu said, ''Turkey’s presence in Afghanistan is one proof that the war on terrorism is not against Islam. Turkish society itself is living testimony to the proposition that Islam, democracy and modernity are compatible. Our secular society is one where civilizations do not clash, but where indeed they embrace. This is best symbolized by the “Istanbul spirit” of dialogue and harmony that emerged at a unique meeting recently held between the West and the East in that historic city,'' and noted that, ''As we fight terrorism, we must at the same time strive for inclusion and participation, trying to win the hearts and minds of people everywhere for the values we together cherish. We must, however, remain vigilant and be prepared to crush terrorism wherever it appears. There are still dangers and many countries that have yet to put their houses in order. It is our right to expect that all countries tread the proper line against terror.''
Logoglu concluded his words as saying, ''On this day of remembrance our sympathies and prayers are with the American people and the victims. We stand united in our condemnation of terrorism. Let us also stay united in our resolve to defeat it.''