Turkish Press.com
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Syrians Accuse The U.S For Having Double Standards In Global Politics
Published: 3/7/2005
ANKARA/DAMASCUS – Man in the street in Syria believe that the U.S. is
incapable of attacking Syria.
In exclusive interviews by A.A correspondents in the streets
of Damascus, the majority of the Syrians expressed that they do
not expect any attack from the U.S.. “America is too tired of its
war in Iraq, both psychologically and financially. More than 1,000
U.S. soldiers died in a meaningless war. We do not give a slight
chance to the possibility of a new war in the Middle East,” said an
elderly Syrian citizen.
Asked about the U.S. attempts to bring “democracy” to the region,
most Syrians answered that the concept of democracy should not be
imposed on the peoples. “Democracy should be a movement that arises
from the grassroots of a society. If the U.S. is a staunch supporter
of ‘democracy,’ why does it continue to refuse recognition of the
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which has been a successfully
functioning democracy since its independence in 1983? ‘Why does the
U.S. administration uses double standards in global politics? Perhaps
history will answer such questions,” Syrians said.
According to the results of a private survey received by A.A
correspondents, the majority of Syrians love Turks who are staunch
supporters of Ataturk’s principle of “peace at home, peace in the
world.”
“Regardless of our ethnic backgrounds, whether it is Arabic, Kurdish,
Assyrian or Armenian, we Syrians have excellent historical ties in
not only commercial areas but also social and cultural areas. As a
candidate to European Union membership, Turkey is a good role model for
the countries in the region,” told a young history teacher in Damascus.
Another Syrian, Dr. Shafiq Rifki, has told the A.A that what is
actually going on in the Middle East is like a small and meaningless
game. “The present situation in the Middle East is already out of
control. We do not think that the U.S. administration will risk its
interests in the region by declaring war on another country, after
demolishing the Iraqi society. Americans told the world –before the
war– that there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. However the
reality is that there were absolutely no such weapons in Iraq. If
there have been no weapons found, why is the U.S. insisting on
staying in Iraq? We are confident that the U.S. administration will
not want any other new war in the region. Just look at what happened
in Vietnam….,” said Rifki.
Meanwhile, 30-year-old watch repair shop owner Yusuf Safran has
indicated that it is in fact Israel that has killed and continues
to kill the residents of the region (Middle East). The U.S. would
be better off by cutting its commercial and political ties with
Israel. We do not believe that 350 million Americans would want to
sacrifice their future for 4 million Israelis!”
Jamila Kamel, a mother of five, said that as a mother she does not
want to see violence going on in the upcoming year. “We have lost too
many precious lives in the region due to the policies of Israel and
U.S.. This is high time to say “NO” to further violence. We deserve
to live in peace as humans.”
Meanwhile, Syrian deputy Serif Hamdi Abaza, who is actually of
Abhaza origin, indicated that Turkey can help Syria with its global
experiences in finance, commerce, education, politics and especially
diplomatics.
“Turkey is about to become our door giving on the European
Union. Likewise, we (Syria) will be Turkey’s door to the Middle
East. For the past two years, hundreds of Syrian students have chosen
Turkish universities for their education. Syrian students are indeed
very happy to be studying in Turkey. We have various projects coming
up in the educational sector and hope to see Turkish universities
open departments in Syrian cities,” remarked Abaza.
Turkish Press
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress