SPY EYES

Abdullah Gül, President of Turkey, spoke recently about Turkey's ascent on the world stage, saying that there is now almost no hot issue on the global agenda which Turkey is not playing a visible role. Domestic and regional problems once held the country back from realizing its potential, but the country became more politically stable 10 years ago. This generated a vision for a stronger Turkey which then encouraged a lifting the obstacles to democratic and economic progress. This meant upgrading legal standards, making structural reforms, expanding freedoms, streamlining civil-military cooperation, and ensuring minority rights. GNP has increased 300% in this time, and trade has soared.

Turkey sees itself as the epicenter for different regions, which allows space for strategic interaction in the pursuit of peace in the region. Economic and political success has helped Turkey to become more confident and active in this regard. Gül admits thatTurkey still has a long way to go, but the past 10 years have been a first chapter of a transformation and are a good beginning.

As for the future, Gül hopes Turkey will join the UN Security Council once again for 2015-2016 session while simultaneously holding the presidency of the G-20. He believes Turkey's membership bid with the EU will move past the formal context. Turkey's Parliament is drafting a new constitution which Gül says will take its democracy to a new level, matching the aspirations of Turkish people and setting an example for struggling countries in the region. It will also continue to increase Turkey's economic integration with the world.

One of Turkey's key regional relationships lies with Iran. In his speech, Gül reminded the audience of Tukey's call for the establishment of a WMD free zone in the Middle East in order to avoid an arms race that would destroy any potential for stability in the region. He added that the only choice for addressing the Iranian nuclear issue is to pursue and facilitate dialogue, and not to respond with a military solution. Turkey supports a transparent and internationally assured peaceful nuclear program in Iran. In 2010, Turkey and Brazil worked together to bring about an agreement to transfer enriched uranium to other countries. For Turkey, confidence building in the Iranian nuclear issue will pave the way for meaningful dialogue. However, the 2010 deal, which was an important confidence building measure, has fallen flat since a similar deal is still being sought.

Last week, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, in recalling how both countries have common enemies, called for deeper ties between the two countries. He additionally pointed to recent high-level visitor exchanges as providing signs of sincerity and friendship. In April of this year, he also called for broadened relations in the political, economic, and cultural fields. In 2011, Ahmadinejad noted that the two countries have a historic responsibility to assist their neighbors' pursuit of freedom. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoganfeels that Iran's stance on regional issues are of special importance, and the two can work together to solve problems through bilateral cooperation. Erdogan called for the expansion of bilateral cooperation in different political, economic, commercial and energy areas.

Another key relationship for Turkey is of course Syria. On this topic, Gül noted that the policies of the regime have held back the completion of the revolution, and the international community has a responsibility to support those pursuing democracy. Turkey is hosting 25,000 refugees who have fled and is in constant contact with the opposition as represented by the Syrian National Council. The six point Annan Plan could still be the last chance for an orderly transition in Syria if it is urgently implemented. Turkey expressed its disappointment in the UN Security Council's inability to draft a passable resolution back in February despite all the conciliatory efforts, especially since the draft resolution was co-sponsored by Turkey and contained no more than the general support of the UN and Arab League's efforts. Turkey reminded the Council that the veto power comes with significant responsibility.

In 2010, relations were warmer between the two countries, with ongoing dialogues and completed cooperation agreements. Recent months have brought about negative change in the Turkish-Syrian relationship. Turkey has responded to the situation in Syria with unprecedented sanctions, to which Syria responded to by ending its partnership agreement with Turkey that was working to establish a free trade zone. It also took additional steps to restrict Turkish economic activity within Syria. In late January 2012, Sena Kaleli, Head of the Parliamentary Committee assigned by the Turkish Republican People's Party, complained that hundreds of Turkish companies and citizens have gone bankrupt due to the slowing trade flow between the two countries. Syria puts Turkey on the list of countries which support the terrorist campaign against the country, while reciprocally looking towards Iran for support of its stance in the region.

Courtesy: Diplo News