Zaman, Turkey
June 17 2005

Miqati: Erdogan Lights our Path
By Erdal Sen
Published: Friday 17, 2005
zaman.com

The first Turkish Prime Minister visiting Lebanon, Recep Tayyip
Erdogan called on Arab leaders not to make enemies but win friends
and offered cooperation for political reforms at the Arab Economy
summit in Beirut, where he is the honorary guest.

Erdogan met with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Miqati after the summit,
attended by representatives from 30 countries. At a news conference
after the meeting, the two leaders answered questions.

When asked about the Broader Middle East Project (BMEP), the Lebanese
Prime Minister said, “We have been watching Erdogan, his attitudes
and his activities. His behavior in projects has been illuminating
to us. Democracy and freedoms are important arrangements. No country
can reject these principles. If Erdogan finds support from the floor,
he might be successful. Lebanon and Turkey are two countries, which
record development in democracy day by day.”

When asked about his comments on the protest by Armenians against the
alleged genocide, Miqati responded: “It is an issue that interests
historians. It was not on the agenda of our meetings.” Praising
economic stability in Turkey, Miqati said that there are numerous
cooperation opportunities in Turkey.

Flood of praise for Erdogan at summit

As the first Turkish Prime Minister to visit Lebanon, Erdogan was
invited to the rostrum for a speech at the summit with the following
introduction, “The Prime Minister, who is shown a flood of love from
the Islamic world.” Erdogan, who was the honorary speaker of the
forum, was introduced with the words, “His service in Turkey has no
equal throughout history.”

Erdogan gave important messages during his speech. Urging the Arab
world to make political reforms and proposing close cooperation in
the reform process, Erdogan said: “I would like express our wish
to develop and continue cooperation friendship in all fields within
the economic and political reform process that has been rooting in
our region with countries that Turkey has cultural and historical
links with.” Pointing out that Turkish-Arabic relations should be
developed on many dimensions, Erdogan called on Arab leaders to not
to make enemies but friends. Explaining his successes within the
last 2.5 years with examples and numbers, Erdogan said, “Turkey is a
trustworthy business partner for the Arabic world.” Erdogan stressed
they make no differentiation between domestic and foreign investors
and guarantee he would personally interfere if Arab businessmen,
who plan to make investments in Turkey, face bureaucratic obstacles.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress