DOUBLE PRAISE FOR ANKARA
Sabah
Feb 17 2009
Turkey
US President Obama made telephone calls to both President Gul and
Prime Minister Erdogan yesterday.
TO GUL: "We appreciate the leadership displayed by Turkey in the
region. You are putting forth important efforts in Afghanistan and
the Caucasus."
TO ERDOGAN "I want to express that your personal leadership is vital
in the Middle East peace process."
WORDS OF PRAISE At first the phone call Obama paid to President
seemed to be a routine call between nation leaders, however when
the conversation continued on for aproximately 25-30 minutes it
was learned that numerous topics had been discussed. According
to the information obtained, Obama and Gul touched upon issues
regarding Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Caucasus, the Middle East and
the European Union. In addition to Obama’s words of praise regarding
regional leadership he also expressed; "you are also making efforts
of high importance in Afghanistan and the Caucasas." According to
an announcement regarding the telephone conversation, published by
the Presidential Press Center, "Our President received a phone call
from US President Barack Obama. During the telephone discussion,
President Obama emphasized the high importance placed on Turkey-USA
relations. He further expressed that Turkey’s leadership on regional
matters was highly appreciated. During the conversation Obama also
mentioned that his country desired to continue relations with Turkey,
and then went on to discuss both regional and international matters.
HE ALSO CALLED ERDOGAN Obama then later made another phone call
to Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan. According to the Presidential
Press Center, Obama emphasized the importance of Turkey’s strategic
cooperation. Obama also told Erdogan, regarding the Gaza issue; "I
want to express the vital importance of your leadership in the Middle
East peace process.America wil always approach Turkey’s concerns with
understanding." Obama also expressed that the US administration hopes
to collaborate with Turkey on numerous issues including achieving
peace in the Middle East, in bringing an end to the PKK terrorist
organization, as well as relations with Armenia. Meanwhile, according
to an announcement released by the White House, Obama also expressed
that he wanted to offer his support to both Gul and Erdogan regarding
the developing relations between Turkey and Iraq.