Today’s Zaman, Turkey
Sept 8 2008

Soccer is never only soccer

The famous saying `Soccer is never only soccer’ has once again been
been proven true by a visit paid by President Abdullah Gül to
Yerevan, where he watched a game between the Turkish and Armenian
national soccer teams.

A leading Justice and Development Party (AK Party) figure who notes
that they would like to make Turkey one of the rare countries that
have good ties with neighboring countries underlines that this time
soccer has been used to achieve this goal. Stressing that Gül’s
visit was a first in Turkish history, he also said: `These are two
countries that have no formal diplomatic relations we are talking
about; the border gates are closed. They have long-standing issues
that have remained unresolved for 85 years. Soccer has played a unique
and influential role by bringing these countries together.’

The final score (2-0 for Turkey) at the game was overshadowed by the
diplomatic influence of soccer. Armenian President Serzh Sarksyan
gravely and courageously responded to the courtesy of Gül, who
paid this visit despite the great risks involved. Noting that they
agree that direct relations should be relied upon to resolve bilateral
issues, Sarksyan said: `We will resolve these issues; we will not
postpone them for future generations,’ implying that they hold a
positive view of the Caucasian Stability and Cooperation Platform.

Turkey, which aims to contribute a great deal to international peace
through the platform, also wants to make sure the project will make
all countries in the region win. Of course, wins require small
compromises. According to the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the
National Movement Party (MHP), Turkey made a compromise from its
official stance by making this recent gesture, which was totally
unnecessary. But it should be recalled that improvement in the
standard of living of the people in the region is a colossal
gain. Such an improvement requires regional stability and peace. Many
of the politicians to whom I spoke about this matter are pretty
excited.

To this end, Gül’s visit to Yerevan holds great
importance. True, Turkey has started with a compromise. Armenia will
secure substantial advantages through improved relations with
Turkey. If they act responsibly and wisely, these advantages may help
Armenia end the isolation they have been suffering. For this reason,
it will have the opportunity to change its image as an invading
country, if it responds positively to Turkey’s proposals on
Nagorno-Karabakh. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan will have a chance to resolve
one of its major problems because of reliance on diplomatic means and
tools.

Fruitful results from the initial steps will make the platform more
concrete and viable. This will also make positive contributions to the
resolution of issues between Russia and Georgia because the project
will serve the national interests of both countries. Above all Russia
will be pleased if the crisis does not grow further. Likewise, Georgia
needs the crisis to remain in abeyance to maintain its territorial
integrity.

Peace and stability that will be achieved by making small compromises
in return for the prevention of serious crises will make the region
more stable. All countries in the region will benefit significantly
from implementation of the project.

President Gül has left a very fruitful year behind. He started
his second year in office with as important a diplomatic move as a
visit to Yerevan. Hopefully, other countries in the region will act
reasonably and responsibly.

Will Toptan ever be forgiven?

A recent initiative by Parliament Speaker Köksal Toptan, who
made a call to political parties for the establishment of a commission
to draft a constitution through compromise, has led to varying
interpretations and comments.

While some greatly appreciated the initiative, skeptics argued that
Toptan was attempting something impossible.

A deputy who is a lawyer by profession recalls that the Constitutional
Court’s decision on amendments to Articles 10 and 42 of the
Constitution violated the authority of Parliament. He further recalls
that Toptan demonstrated a poor performance during that process,
failing to protect the dignity and integrity of the
legislature. Stressing that Toptan made visits overseas to ensure that
he would be absent while developments were taking place, the deputy
comments that Toptan wants to make up for his mistake through this
initiative.

Toptan, who called on political parties to appoint members to the
suggested commission, made his point by making reference to the
political conditions in Turkey. Noting that the previous political
environment had hampered creation of a commission of compromise,
Toptan said, `I am of the opinion that this is the right time.’
However, the first negative response came from the CHP. Furthermore,
the AK Party does not like the membership composition — the number of
members assigned to each party in the proposed commission. His future
attitude vis-à-vis the obstacles and problems he encounters
will show whether he is trying to make up for his mistake in the past
or he is just acting responsibly.

08 September 2008, Monday
ALÄ° ASLAN KILIÃ?