MILLIYET- Columnist Sami Kohen writes on Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and his Greek counterpart George Papandreou’s visit to the Middle East. A summary of his column is as follows:
What can be expected from Cem and Papandreou’s Middle East mission? The answer is clear: not much. The Turkish and Greek foreign ministers are also saying that no concrete immediate results should be expected from the visit. Neither Papandreou nor Cem is carrying a magic wand which could straighten out the situation in the Middle East. US Secretary of State Powell lacked such a wand when he embarked on his visit to the Middle East on which all hopes were pinned. If he had, he would not have returned to Washington empty-handed. So why then did Cem and Papandreou undertake the responsibility for such an impossible mission? Both sides believe that stopping the clashes in the region and establishing peace are in the advantage of their own countries. Up to now, neither the US nor the EU has been able to solve the crisis, but efforts are continuing. Therefore, whoever is in a position to have his voice heard and whose location is convenient must help with these efforts. Turkish and Greek diplomatic circles, even though limited, do have such a potential. In the words of one Turkish official, ‘If we do not hold the standard for expectations high, even a modest result from this mission will carry importance.’ Moreover, no harm will come from such a mission. No one will blame Ankara or Athens if the mission fails. On the contrary, everyone will congratulate both countries for exerting efforts with good will. In fact, at the beginning of the mission the US, the EU and Egypt, one of the leading Arab countries, all expressed their support for the trip. What is more, Turkey and Greece’s getting together hand-in-hand for such a mission has surprised the international community. The two rival states, even though they have some serious questions among themselves waiting solutions, have established a constructive dialogue for such a good cause. This has a symbolic significance. Such a common initiative could not be dreamed of even a few years ago. While they are holding talks in the most complicated region of the world, Cem and Papandreou will say, ‘Do as we did. Establish a dialogue and try to solve your problems by talking.’ Certainly both sides are trying to gain from this mission. Turkey will have entered the scene in the Middle East in line with the desires of the public. Launching such an initiative with EU member Greece sends a message to the EU on the importance of Turkey’s location and role. In short, this mission is serving as a public relations mission. There is no peace plan Cem and Papandreou will present to both sides. However, they have some recommendations such as suggesting to them to begin negotiations immediately. Certainly, it will not be easy. However, what is important is somehow beginning an Israeli-Palestinian dialogue and searching for a solution to the problems having priority in parallel with the negotiations process aimed at a political solution. Just as in Turkish-Greek relations... Certainly, Turkish-Greek disputes are different in nature than those between Israel and Palestine. However, in crisis management and methods for seeking a solution, everyone has lessons to learn and benefit from others.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION