TURKEY IS MODEL FOR THE REGIONAL COUNTRIES
As the discussions regarding the reconstruction of post-war Iraq continues, it is noted that Turkey still maintains his position of being the most important element and “ally” in terms of establishing democracy and ensuring peace in the region.
Former Director of U.S.A. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), James Woosley emphasized that democracy in a Muslim country was very important and the international public opinion wanted a model for Iraq similar to the one in Turkey.
Former CIA Director Woosley and Senate Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman, Richard Lugar, who participated in a program on NBC on April 21, 2003, explained their views regarding the attitude to be followed if radical personalities whom U.S.A would not desire were elected to the power in the first elections to be held after the war.
Emphasizing that Turkey with its secular and democratic structure is the most important ally in the region, the former CIA Director, James Woosley, said the following to NBC:
“We need not be pessimistic about democracy. The number of the democratic countries that were a dozen in 1914 has now reached to 120. The idea that Germany, Japan, Russia, Africa and Asia were not culturally apt to democracy has proved to be wrong. U.S.A. has to corporate with good and noble Muslims in Iraqi region and help the Arab world to change the structure of some dictator states.
The main point of importance is not whether the person to be elected in Iraq is good or bad for the American policy. For example, we were not pleased with Turkey’s not letting the 4th Infantry Division pass through its border. This was not something new for the American policy. But Turkey is a democratic country and has to make its own decisions. Turkey is a democratic country where elections are lost and where people are not frightened with their doors be knocked at midnight. This is a picture we hope and try to make it emerge for Iraq. Turkey with its secular and democratic structure is a model country in the region.”
Pointing out that the result of the election may not be satisfying, U.S Senate Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman, Richard Lugar said; “For example, there exist a democratic result in Turkey. You can use diplomacy as a means. If there is democracy in a Muslim country, you have the chances of trying various ways” and emphasized that Turkey with its democratic structure might contribute in a great deal to the re-establishment of peace and security in the region.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Ankara, Morton Abramowitz said, “Turkey is in a strategically important region. Whatever the level of the cooperation Turkey had with U.S.A during the war against Iraq, it is still a country of great importance. Its political and geographical position is so important both for the Middle East and for the Central Asia”, and attracted the attention of U.S. officials to the point that “Turkey is an ally hard to give up”.
Also PUK leader, Jalal Talabani said, “Turkey is the only democratic and Muslim country in the region. Turkey should be taken as a model for the reconstruction in Iraq. Turkey wants Kurds, Turkomans and Arabs to live together friendly. Turkey can support us with its experiences in the field of economy. We have no problem with Turkey at all. Turkey and Turkomans that have helped us in any case are our friends”.
The new balances to emerge in Iraq should not threat the neighbors of this country, violate the peace that we desire to be ensured and should not lead new conflicts and crises in the region. A democratic regime in which all ethnic groups are equally represented has to be set up in Iraq and Iraqi people have to have full control over their country and its natural resources. The territorial integrity, political unity and sovereignty of Iraq should be preserved in any condition. The sensitivity of the ethnic groups in the region about Mosul and Kirkuk should be taken into consideration; the positions of these cities with in the territorial integrity and political unity of Iraq should be preserved and not be allowed to go under the control of any ethnic group. Iraqi nation should soon regain peace, determine its future freely and take its place among the civilized nations.