Harvard Crimson, MA
Dec 5 2007

Diplomat Talks Turkish Politics

Ambassador discusses EU bid, Armenian genocide at Winthrop dinner

By DANIEL C. BERBERO
Contributing Writer

Turkish Ambassador Altay Cengizer discussed Turkey’s role on the
global political stage yesterday at a dinner discussion hosted by
International Relations on Campus (IRoC).

Turkey has made headlines in the past year with its continued effort
to enter the European Union, its denial that Turkish massacres of
Armenians in the early 20th Century constituted genocide, and its
recent military incursions into northern Iraq to attack Kurdish
militants.

Cengizer – who is currently a fellow at the Weatherhead Center for
International Affairs – said that he doubts that Kurds will seek
independence from Iraq, but said that Turkey is not opposed to
Kurdish independence in principle.

`As long as they choose what they want to do in a democratic process,
we will have no problems with them,’ Cengizer said.

Cengizer said that Turkey was willing to work with Armenia to form a
historical commission that would review the large-scale killings of
Armenians during World War I, adding that `Turkey is ready to accept
findings of that commission.’

`They were certainly killed of course,’ Cengizer said. `We are saying
`massacres.”

The Armenian question has been just one of many stumbling blocks in
Turkey’s relations with the West.

Germany and France have opposed admitting Turkey to the European
Union, partially because of the country’s large size, developing
economy, and cultural differences.

`These are devilish questions,’ Cengizer acknowledged. However, he
said that Europe needs to look beyond those differences and recognize
the benefits of Turkey’s entrance.

Cengizer emphasized Turkey’s global strategic importance, telling the
audience of about 10 students that Turkey is `the most industrialized
country between Tokyo and Vienna.’ He added that Turkey `is the only
Muslim country growing democratic roots.’

Noting Turkey’s unusually strong economic position, its role as a
friend to both sides in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and good
relations with Europe and the United States, Cengizer said Turkey `is
at the very center of things.’

Cengizer added that he believed the `fundamentals’ of Turkey’s
relationship with the United States were good, clouded only by a
`cursory’ treatment of Turkish political issues by the American
media.

Event organizer Ryan L. Newbrough ’09 was enthusiastic about the
dinner discussion, which was held in Winthrop House’s Owen Common
Room.

`Our goal this year is to have one IRoC dinner discussion a week,’
Newbrough said.

Attendee Tess M. Hellgren ’11 said Cengizer `was really interesting,
and he did a good job of explaining the history.’

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