HURRIYET)- Columnist Ferai Tinc comments on the ill effects of mounting tension in the Middle East on Turkey’s relations with its neighbors. A summary of her column is as follows:
The mounting tension in the Middle East is likely to impact negatively on Turkey’s relations with its neighbors.
Following the lead of US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, Secretary of State Colin Powell recently added Syria to the US’ list of the countries forming the ‘axis of evil’ and backing terrorist organizations.
The justification for this addition is how Syria’s UN representatives left the latest UN Security Council meeting to protest Israel soon after Syria’s admittance to the Council as a temporary member.
Meanwhile, Syrian Higher Education Minister Hassan Risheh and Syrian Tourism Chambers’ Chairman Saeb Nahhas were visiting Istanbul with an accompanying delegation made up of Syrian businessmen. Significant decisions were made during the meetings between Syrian and Turkish businessmen. For example, new arrangements for daily flights between the two countries were made. Furthermore, Syrian and Turkish tourism companies are currently working on joint projects.
I have suddenly become aware how bilateral relations between the two countries are improving after PKK terrorist commander Cemil Bayik’s capture. Bayik was caught with the cooperation of Syrian and Turkish intelligence units. We know how in the past Syria refused to give information to Turkey on PKK files and bank accounts. However, it is clear that the two countries have recently agreed to act collaboratively in their fights against terrorism. These positive developments are so great that they should not be overshadowed by any other development!
‘Syria supports efforts for peace,’ said Syrian Minister Risheh at a recent meeting in Istanbul in response to Rumsfeld’s and Powell’s statements. ‘We believe the United Nations resolutions and the decisions made at the Madrid Conference are very important for the future of the Middle East. We always stand against terrorist groups.’
Furthermore, Syrian Ambassador Said Al Bunni said, ‘We shouldn’t turn an blind eye to the developments in the Palestinian territories. The crimes committed in those territories will adversely affect stability in our region. Without peace and security, development is impossible.’
Peace cannot prevail in this region until the war in the Palestinian territories ends.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION