GOVERNMENT, ARTISTS IN SOLIDARITY WITH DEMOCRATIC INITIATIVE

Today’s Zaman
Feb 23 2010
Turkey

Following a successful breakfast meeting hosted by Prime Minister Recep
Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday morning, artists from Turkey’s music world
who were in attendance have expressed support for the government’s
democratic initiative, which aims to improve standards of democracy,
freedoms and respect for human rights in Turkey.

Erdogan’s invitation to leading artists comprising famous composers,
songwriters and singers seems to have been well received. Speaking to
Today’s Zaman, participants continued to express hope for the future
of the country and thus pledge support for advancing the democratic
initiative. Sixty-two important names from Turkey’s music world were
present at the Prime Ministry’s working office the day of the event.

Garo Mafyan, a composer of Armenian descent, said directly discussing
an important problem of the country with the head of its executive
branch was very important for them. "We are not accustomed to having
such meetings. This is the first time in Turkey’s history since the
late Turgut Ozal that a prime minister is sharing something with
artists. We were delighted by the meeting, and it was important for
us. Just like he [Erdogan] asked us, we should take on the role of
helping to solve the problem and explain the initiative to people
wherever we go," Mafyan said.

Erdogan during the event had requested that the artists convey the
good intentions behind the initiative to all corners of the country
and to every citizen through their art.

Onur Akın, a famous singer, stated that the meeting was important
and promised support for the initiative. "We have a serious internal
quarrel in our country. Ending this war between brothers is our
priority. We are ready to help out," he said

Agreeing with Akın and Mafyan on the significance of the event, Emel
Sayın, a well-respected authority in Turkish classical music, added
that she was hopeful for the future as Turkey has been courageously
trying to overcome its internal and external problems.

Ozdemir Erdogan and Bulent Ortacgil, famous composers and singers,
touched upon how kindly and eloquently Erdogan spoke on Saturday. Both
of them said the prime minister’s speech was very respectful and to
the point.