Turkey not model for Islamic states, president tells Bush – paper

Cumhuriyet, Istanbul
28 Jun 04

published by Turkish newspaper Cumhuriyet (Ankara edition) on 28 June

President Ahmet Necdet Sezer has told US President George W Bush that
their idea to “present secular Turkey as a model to be followed by
Islamic countries was extremely wrong-headed”.

In his meeting with the visiting US President, Sezer criticized
Turkey’s description as a model country under the Greater Middle East
Project, noting: “Turkey is a country with a predominantly Muslim
population, but it is not an Islamic country. Turkish citizens
individually practice their faith freely. But, religion is separated
from the state’s affairs. I do not consider the portrayal of Turkey as
a model acceptable.”

Sezer gave important messages about Turkey’s secular system in his
“cordial” meeting with Bush in Cankaya Presidential Palace. The
meeting focused on Iraq’s future; the ongoing fight against the PKK
[Kurdistan Workers’ Party], which is a terrorist organization; Cyprus;
the Middle East as well as other regional issues and bilateral
relations.

Sources said that Sezer clearly expressed his anxieties arising from
the view that Turkey should serve as a model for the Islamic world,
which was frequently voiced recently. Noting that he found the view
“totally unacceptable”, Sezer made the following remarks in his
meeting with Bush: “Turkey is a country with a predominantly Muslim
population, but it is not an Islamic country. Turkish citizens
individually practice their faith freely. But, religion is separated
from the state’s affairs. It was extremely inappropriate that you
portrayed Turkey as a model for Islamic countries in that regard.” The
same sources noted that Bush ended the discussion by saying: “We
understand that.”

Sezer reminded the action plan aimed at eliminating the PKK’s presence
in northern Iraq, which the two sides had agreed upon, as well as the
United States’ obligations under the plan, adding that the Turkish
public was extremely concerned about that matter and expecting quick
action. Emphasizing importance of preserving Iraq’s territorial
integrity, Sezer suggested that the Turkomans should have more
representatives in the new Iraqi government proportionate to their
share in Iraq’s population.

Sezer also said that the anti-Turkish Armenian and Greek lobbies
should not be allowed to affect Turkish-US relations.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress